Last night in a bout advertised as ‘The Comeback’ former 2 time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua made his highly anticipated return to the ring following the traumatic auto accident that claimed the lives of his two closest friends last December. The chosen sacrifice was the once beaten, US based Albanian, Kristian Prenga 20-1 (20 Ko’s) a low risk opponent whom most onlookers wouldnt be familiar with yet appeared on paper to fit the bill without too much danger, considering the financial stakes ahead of a potential meeting with Tyson Fury pending the outcome. Joshua entered the fight at a tightly muscled 251 pounds and according to reputable sources had reinvented himself with the help of team Usyk, since his 2024 defeat at the hands of Daniel Dubois. Prenga appeared pensive as he entered the Jeddah Superdome arena ahead of his grandest opportunity, 10 pounds heavier yet in plain terms, leagues out of his depth. From the opening bell, the composed Joshua was almost immediately pressed backwards by the opportunistic Prenga, in almost the first exchange Joshua dropped backwards to the canvas heavily from a short inside uppercut.. Prenga, almost shocked at the knockdown headed for a neutral corner as Joshua smiled in a show of bravado as he gathered his legs. As the fight recommenced Joshua was forced to hold and turn Prenga to avoid absolute disaster, the Albanian forced the action and literally manhandled Joshua in an attempt to finish the damaged former champion. Towards the end of the opener Joshua retreating to the ropes was caught flush by a long right hand, almost reminiscent of the opening knockdown he suffered at the hands of Dubois, again he fell into the ropes and was forced to take a second count.. almost embarrassed Joshua poked his tongue out and survived the round on shaky legs with all at ringside in absolute disbelief. At the beginning of the second round Joshua appeared more assertive, backing the inexperienced Prenga up with quick precise 1-2s, unlike the opener Prenga appeared uncomfortable and displayed very little offensive, AJ now fully recovered from the disastrous 1st round started to find momentum, landing first whilst pressing Prenga into a shell. With 20 seconds left in the round Joshua sent Kristian reeling backwards, landing a long jab, right hand, the following hook skimmed Prenga but the concluding overhand right completed the job, leaving the Albanian lying through the ropes unconscious with 25 seconds left in the round. Joshua appeared reflective in the post fight interview, explaining that his recuperative powers saved the day and it’s the getting up and fighting back through a crisis is all that counts. Joshua indicated that a Fury match is definitely on his immediate schedule and not to look too much into the disaster of the opening round.. it’s heavyweight boxing and Prenga was surprisingly strong. Joshua moves to 30-4 (27 Ko’s) but appeared to leave tonight’s viewers with more questions than answers ahead of such a huge mega fight.
The evenings show was hosted by The Jeddah Superdome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and was promoted by Eddie Hearn in association with Matchroom boxing along with Frank Warren of Queensbury boxing. Broadcast by DAZN.
No comments:
Post a Comment