Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga Preview: Fight Time, Odds, Predictions & Best Bets

Anthony Joshua is back in action, and South African boxing fans will be watching closely as the former two-time heavyweight world champion takes on unbeaten Albanian puncher Kristian Prenga in what could be one of the biggest stepping stones of Joshua’s career.

The heavyweight showdown takes place on Saturday, 25 July 2026, at the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia, with the event streaming live on DAZN PPV. While many see Prenga as a tune-up opponent, boxing has a habit of delivering surprises, and Joshua knows better than most that overlooking an underdog can end badly.

A convincing AJ victory keeps alive the long-awaited blockbuster against Tyson Fury, while an upset would completely reshape the heavyweight landscape.

Fight Details:

• Date: Saturday, 25 July 2026.
• Venue: Jeddah Superdome, Saudi Arabia.
• Weight Class: Heavyweight.
• Time: 19:00 SAST (expected main event time: 23:50 SAST). 

Joshua enters the bout looking to build momentum after his return to winning ways and put himself firmly back into world title contention. Promoters have openly acknowledged that a Tyson Fury super-fight is the dream scenario.

Joshua carries enormous pressure heading into the contest. After rebuilding confidence over recent outings, another defeat would almost certainly end hopes of the long-awaited Battle of Britain against Fury.

The Olympic gold medallist remains one of boxing’s biggest attractions thanks to victories over Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker and Kubrat Pulev. However, recent years have also included defeats to Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois, reminding everyone that the heavyweight division is brutally unforgiving.

Expect Joshua to box behind his jab early before looking to unleash his trademark combinations once he finds his rhythm.

Prenga arrives with an eye-catching record featuring 20 knockout victories and just a single defeat. Although critics point to the lack of elite opposition on his résumé, the Albanian has repeatedly stated he isn’t travelling to Saudi Arabia simply to collect a payday.

He’s publicly promised to derail Joshua’s plans and insists everyone is already looking past him toward Tyson Fury. Which is a mistake he intends to punish.

His biggest weapon is obvious… Knockout power! If he catches Joshua clean, he has every chance of winning.

• Anthony Joshua 1.08
• Kristian Prenga 7.50
• Draw 31.00
• Joshua by KO/TKO 1.45
• Fight Goes Distance 3.80

Odds are approximate at the time of writing and may vary between bookmakers. If you’re unsure about how odds work. Take the the time to read our guide explaining betting odds.

 Anthony Joshua to Win by KO/TKO @ 1.45
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Joshua possesses superior speed, timing and experience. Prenga has knockout power, but Joshua should eventually break him down.

We have seen Joshua become far more disciplined in recent fights.

Rather than chasing an early knockout, expect him to use movement, control the distance and patiently wear Prenga down before finding the stoppage.

Prenga’s unbeaten record deserves respect, but this represents an enormous jump in class.

Prediction: Anthony Joshua wins by sixth-round TKO.

Assuming Joshua wins, attention will immediately switch to the proposed showdown against Tyson Fury. Both camps have openly discussed the blockbuster as one of the biggest fights British boxing has ever produced, although Joshua has repeatedly insisted his entire focus remains on Prenga.

Heavyweight boxing rarely follows the script, though, just ask Andy Ruiz Jr.