The official announcement that Anthony “AJ” Joshua (29-4, 6 KOs) will return to the ring for a “tune-up” fight versus Albanian power-puncher Kristian “KP” Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs) on July 25th caught many by surprise. Joshua will put his tentatively scheduled showdown, with Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury (35-2-1, 24 KOs), slated during the final quarter of 2026, at risk by facing Prenga in a twelve-round main event, to be shown on DAZN from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A two-time European kickboxing champion, Prenga, had no amateur experience, and remains relatively unknown in some boxing circles. However, he and his team fully appreciate the career-changing opportunity they’ve been offered, that could end up positioning him among the leading heavyweights in the world.
The 35 year-old Prenga has demonstrated remarkable punching power throughout his career. He has secured victories by knockout in all 20 of his wins, and his lone defeat came early in his career, in 2017, during just his fifth professional bout. Since then, though, he has been riding a 16-fight win streak, establishing himself as a dangerous opponent.
Joshua has been stopped by Andy Ruiz (35-5-1, 22 KOs) and Daniel Dubois (21-2, 21 KOs). He has also been rocked by other heavy hitters. Both Joshua and Prenga are true heavyweights: Joshua stands 6’ 6” and weighed 243 pounds in his last fight; Prenga is 6’ 6” and was 264 ½ in his most recent action.
New York City-based boxing lawyer Keith Sullivan, who gained invaluable experience as a former New York State Athletic Commission Deputy Commissioner, didn’t start managing Prenga until this past February Despite being a founding partner in a successful 20-year-old New York City litigation firm, Sullivan & Galleshaw LLP, Sullivan is highly respected in the industry for his vast boxing knowledge and tireless commitment to fighting for his fighters. Two such clients of note are Irish welterweight contender Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-2, 11 KOs) and the Japanese three-time, two-division champion Miyo Yoshida (19-5, 1 KO).
“If Team Joshua thinks this is an easy night for AJ,” warned Keith Sullivan, “they’ve made a serious mistake. They just walked into a very dangerous situation. Underestimate Prenga at your own risk. I understand why they chose Prenga, but I don’t think they fully understand who they chose, which is going to become very clear on fight night. Team Prenga and I have tremendous respect for AJ and what he has accomplished: extensive amateur record, two Olympic medals, three (IBF, WBA & WBO) heavyweight championships, more than a dozen heavyweight title fights, millions earned, etc. Kristian has not been as fortunate to have those privileged experiences. However, what he does have is heart, determination, strong self-confidence and power.
“This is clearly a lose-lose situation for AJ. If he wins, he is criticized for his opponent selection; if he loses, he is beaten into retirement. I would hate to be in AJ’s shoes or mindset for the next 13 weeks. Joshua is a great fighter but KP isn’t coming to participate – he’s coming to shock the world!”
Now residing in Edgewater, New Jersey, Prenga said, “I really appreciate my manager, Keith Sullivan, working hard to create an opportunity of a lifetime for me. Keith promised we would do big things together and he delivered,” Prenga added. “AJ is a great fighter. I like him and how he conducts himself in and out of the ring. But fight night is going to be a war and I am walking out victorious; that’s the way it’s going to be”
Should Prenga upset Joshua, the Albanian would most certainly be pleased to step in as Fury’s opponent in place of Joshua later this year.
