Anthony Joshua produced a remarkable recovery to defeat Kristian Prenga by a second-round knockout after being sent to the canvas twice during a chaotic opening round in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The former two-time world heavyweight champion appeared to be heading for a shocking defeat when Prenga caught him with a powerful right uppercut within the opening 20 seconds.

Joshua beat the count but remained visibly shaken as the Albanian heavyweight pressed forward. Prenga floored him again late in the first round, but the British boxer returned to his feet and survived until the bell.

Joshua emerged for the second round with renewed aggression and gradually forced his opponent backwards. In the closing moments of the round, he landed a sharp jab followed by a series of heavy right hands, with the final blow sending Prenga into the ropes and bringing the contest to a sudden end.

The Associated Press reported that the victory improved Joshua’s professional record to 30 wins and four defeats, including 27 victories by knockout. Prenga entered the contest with a record of 20 wins from 21 fights, with all his previous victories coming by stoppage.

Speaking after the fight, Joshua praised his opponent and said his recovery demonstrated the resilience expected of a champion.

“This is what champions do, we rise. We get knocked down and stand up,” Joshua said.

The contest marked Joshua’s first appearance since he was injured in a car crash in Nigeria in December 2025, which claimed the lives of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. He dedicated the emotional victory to both men and his family.

The result also cleared a major obstacle ahead of Joshua’s proposed blockbuster fight against fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury.

Fury completed his own preparatory contest in Thailand on Friday, defeating veteran Polish boxer Mariusz Wach after Wach’s corner withdrew him before the eighth round.

Joshua and Fury are expected to meet in November 2026, although the organisers have yet to publicly announce the final date and venue.

Responding to questions about the long-awaited contest, Joshua said he respected Fury’s achievements but was ready to face him in the ring.

“I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat,” he said.