Joshua vs. Prenga weigh-in results: Final faceoff ahead of Riyadh return

Anthony Joshua and Kristrian Prenga made weight Friday ahead of their Saturday night heavyweight clash in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout marks Joshua's first ring appearance since a car crash in Nigeria last year that sidelined the former unified champion.

Joshua entered the fight as a heavy betting favorite over Prenga, a regional heavyweight with a 21-1 record. Promoters positioned the matchup as a tuneup ahead of a planned showdown with Tyson Fury later this year.

Critics question Prenga's credentials ahead of Joshua bout

Boxing promoter Lou DiBella told Ariel Helwani that the Albanian heavyweight does not measure up to Joshua's level. DiBella questioned whether Prenga would even serve as useful sparring for a top-tier heavyweight, despite the knockout victories on his ledger. The promoter added that Prenga's opponents have been of questionable quality, according to MMA Mania.

Joshua weighed in at his typical heavyweight mark, while Prenga also hit the contracted limit without issue. The two exchanged staredowns after stepping off the scale, with Joshua appearing relaxed and Prenga maintaining a stern expression throughout the ceremonial faceoff.

The card streams live Saturday night from Riyadh, with the Joshua-Prenga main event expected to begin around 5 p.m. ET.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Live: Joshua vs. Prenga weigh ins video results, final staredowns | The Comeback