Anthony Joshua emphasised he’s not back to play around in the first press conference for his return against Kristian Prenga.
‘AJ’ faces Prenga on July 25 in Saudi Arabia, having already signed to meet Tyson Fury in an all-British blockbuster later in the year.
Joshua: I really want to show how good I am
“It’s a massive year for me,” Joshua explained in London on Monday.
“When I sat down with Eddie and the team, there was an opportunity to fight Prenga, and then they said, ‘We want to extend that deal to fight Tyson Fury as well.’
“It ain’t about looking past anyone, it’s about moving up the ladder…
“I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’ve been training hard. I’m really focusing on improving my talent and skills.
“I really want to improve my boxing IQ and show how good I am.”
Joshua hasn’t boxed since knocking out Jake Paul in December, which came 15 months after he was floored by Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
Just ten days after his win over Paul in Miami, the 36-year-old was involved in a tragic car accident that sadly claimed the lives of two of his best friends.
Members of the boxing fraternity were unsure if ‘AJ’ would ever fight again after the crash, but he’s now back, ready to go to war and gunning to become world champion once again.
Should Joshua overcome Prenga and then do a job on Fury, the Watford powerhouse would suddenly be straight back on the path to fighting for gold.
Talk of Joshua battling Fury is already one of the biggest talking points ahead of the former’s fight with Prenga.
“I want you to show me no respect.”
Anthony Joshua and Kristian Prenga exchange words 🗣️#JoshuaPrenga | July 25th | Exclusively on DAZN 🥊 pic.twitter.com/EVnzuiieba
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) June 1, 2026
And that struck a nerve with the Albanian when the pair came face-to-face for the first time.
Prenga said he didn’t believe it when his manager first informed him the ‘AJ’ fight was there, but he didn’t hesitate to accept.
Prenga promises AJ to deliver hardest punch
“I’ve watched him from the first fight, grown up with him, but everything happens sometimes,” Prenga said.
“I think now is my time and I need to show the world. I’m training more than ever, feeling great and ready, and I think I’m gonna shock the world.”
Joshua responded: “These guys just dig a grave.
“The grave has already been dug, but they just keep digging and digging.
“I know exactly what I need to do. I know I’m going to deliver. It’s what I do. All the talk is cheap… this is my division.”
Prenga fired back: “Being underestimated is a positive thing for me.
“You’re talking about the fight with Fury, you’re planning ahead of God, and this is the time you should be focused—not that.
“I’m glad that you’re underestimating this…
“I’m not a talker guy, I’m a puncher guy and I’m Albanian. If I catch you, you’ve never felt a punch like mine. I promise you.
“I respect you as a fighter, but in the ring, I don’t have respect for anybody.”
Joshua loved Prenga’s plan.
“I want you to show me no respect, and this is perfect for me. So thank you,” he concluded.
“I want you to come into the ring and show me no respect. I’m going to show class, skill, boxing IQ and punch with bad intentions.”
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn, who was also in attendance for the press conference, later explained to The Ring Magazine broadcast why Prenga was the chosen one.
“I need a big, strong lump who is dangerous and coming to win,” Hearn said.
“If we can’t beat Kristian Prenga, we don’t deserve to be in the ring with Tyson Fury.”
