Anthony Joshua staged a dramatic comeback on Saturday night, knocking out Albania’s Kristian Prenga in the second round of their heavyweight clash after surviving two brutal knockdowns in the opening round.
The 36-year-old British-Nigerian former world champion appeared in serious trouble early as Prenga stormed forward with aggressive intent.
Within the first 20 seconds, the Albanian landed a thudding uppercut and a swinging overhand right that sent Joshua to the canvas.
Although Joshua got back to his feet, he remained unsteady, and Prenga quickly trapped him against the ropes, unleashing a flurry of heavy blows that forced a second knockdown before the bell ended the round.
Regrouping in his corner, Joshua emerged for the second round with renewed aggression. He established his range with a stiff jab, pushing Prenga backwards, before closing the distance with a sharp one-two combination.
A straight right hand dazed Prenga, followed by a series of unanswered hooks that sent him crashing into the corner pad.
Referee Harvey Dock administered the count, but Prenga could not get to his feet, handing Joshua a knockout victory.
“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 in his post-fight interview.
The win keeps Joshua’s momentum alive in the heavyweight division as he eyes a potential mega-fight with fellow Briton Tyson Fury later this year.
