Hearn states he will work with Joshua foe.
Anthony Joshua made his anticipated return to the ring on Saturday night, appearing in the main event against little-known Albanian puncher Kristian Prenga.
Joshua was a huge favourite heading in, with Prenga seen as merely a tick-over by most ahead of an expected November showdown with Tyson Fury.
This was also Joshua’s first fight back since a horrific incident in Nigeria, where the Englishman lost two of his close friends in a December car crash. In addition, the only in-ring action he had seen (apart from an odd outing against Jake Paul) was a one-sided 2024 loss to Daniel Dubois in a failed bid to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.
For these reasons, there were questions surrounding “AJ” and how much he had left to offer. However, it was thought by most that Prenga wouldn’t offer a lot of resistance either way, having not fought anywhere near the Briton’s level before.
It was also thought that linking up with former two-time opponent Oleksandr Usyk would bode well for Joshua, but alarm bells were rang very early in the first round.
That’s because Joshua was dropped shortly after the start of the opening frame, then was rocked and dropped once more before the bell to end the round sounded.
Joshua would proceed to take Prenga out in the second frame, providing for an exciting–yet short-lived–battle that left many surprised.
There was a lot of talk following the event, specifically around the hard-fought nature of Joshua’s win. But following his performance, it was assumed that Prenga would be getting more opportunities in the future.
During the post-fight press conference, Joshua himself asked Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn what he would do with Prenga if he were to work with him. Hearn replied, “Well, I’m gonna work with him.”
Hearn then mentioned Prenga’s support and fanbase as attractive factors, meaning that in spite of his official defeat, the Albanian’s stock has officially risen.
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