Joshua Knocks Out Prenga After Recovering From Two Early Knockdowns
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua produced a remarkable comeback on Saturday night as he stopped Albania’s Kristian Prenga in the second round of their heavyweight bout after suffering two knockdowns in the opening round.
The British-Nigerian boxer endured a difficult start as Prenga launched an aggressive attack from the opening bell.
Prenga floored Joshua within the first 20 seconds after landing a powerful uppercut and an overhand right.
Joshua beat the count but struggled to regain his balance. Prenga continued his assault and trapped him against the ropes before another series of punches forced a second knockdown shortly before the end of the first round.
Joshua responded strongly after the interval. He controlled the distance with his jab and gradually pushed Prenga onto the back foot.
The 36-year-old then connected with a sharp one-two combination before landing a straight right hand that visibly hurt his opponent. He followed with a series of unanswered hooks that sent Prenga crashing into the corner.
Referee Harvey Dock began the count, but Prenga failed to get back to his feet, handing Joshua a knockout victory in the second round.
“You have to dig deep in this sport. I was caught cold in the first, but champions find a way to answer back,” Joshua said after the fight.
The victory strengthens Joshua’s position in the heavyweight division as speculation continues over a potential showdown with fellow British boxer Tyson Fury later this year.