Anthony Joshua dedicated his victory over Kristian Prenga to his late friends and trainers, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, after overcoming two knockdowns to win in the second round.
The fight, which was broadcast online, was Joshua’s first since his strength and conditioning coach, Ghami, and personal trainer, Ayodele, were killed in a car accident in Ogun State, Nigeria, in December.
Joshua entered the ring in camouflage clothes carrying the names of the deceased coaches in their honor.
Following the bout, the former world heavyweight champion described his victory as a tribute to their memory.
“It’s what champions do. We rise, we get knocked down, and we stand up and keep going. That’s life.
“It was more than punch power. That was Spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina, and their families. It still hurts to talk about it. It’s been tough,” he said.
Joshua, who started the fight as the overwhelming favorite, suffered a dramatic opening round after Prenga knocked him down twice within the first three minutes.
However, the British boxer rebounded to dominate the match, eventually halting the Albanian in the second round to set up a highly anticipated fight with fellow Briton Tyson Fury.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, lauded the former champion’s tenacity, calling his performance extraordinary given the personal tragedy he had experienced.
“No one can imagine what Anthony has been through in the last seven months.
“To even step into the ring was astonishing,” Hearn said.
He went on to say that Joshua used his training camp to stay focused while dealing with bereavement and that despite being knocked down twice, the fighter had extraordinary determination.
Hearn also said that contracts had been finalized for Joshua and Fury’s long-awaited heavyweight fight; however, the date and location had yet to be announced.
Fury, who overcame 46-year-old Mariusz Wach in Thailand on Friday, was unable to witness Joshua’s fight because he had returned to the Isle of Man.
Joshua embraced the notion of facing Fury, saying he respected his fellow Briton’s exploits but was ready for the contest.
“I respect everything he has achieved, but this is the fight we’ve been calling for, and now we’re here.
“I hope the fans will enjoy it.
“I’ve learned that I can’t be stopped, I won’t be denied, and we’re coming.” Joshua added.
