Kristian Prenga to Anthony Joshua: You’ve never felt a punch like this

Kristian Prenga will get the opportunity of a lifetime on July 25, but the New Jersey-based heavyweight insists he isn’t traveling to Saudi Arabia to help Anthony Joshua complete a comeback story.

Prenga, an Albanian-born heavyweight who now resides in Edgewater, N.J., will face former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua at the Jeddah Superdome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 

The fight will be the highest profile opportunity for a New Jersey-based heavyweight since Mariusz Wach fought Wladimir Klitschko for the unified heavyweight championship in 2012.

Joshua (29-6, 26 KOs) is returning to the same city where he lost a split decision to Oleksandr Usyk in their heavyweight title rematch. The British star expressed confidence at a launch press conference in London that he will make a successful return against Prenga.

Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs), however, says he isn’t intimidated by Joshua’s accomplishments.

“I respect AJ, he’s a great fighter and I’ve watched him from his first fight, but I think now is my time,” said Prenga, 35. “I’ve trained more than ever, I feel great, I feel ready and I’m going to show the world. I’m not a talker, I’m a puncher. If I catch you, you’ve never felt a punch like it.”

Joshua vowed to showcase his experience and skill in Jeddah, but Prenga believes his punching power can produce one of the biggest upsets of the year.

“I respect him, but in the ring I have no respect for anybody,” Prenga said.

Photo by Matchroom Boxing/Mark Robinson