Joshua refused to dismiss Prenga despite entering the fight as the established star. The two-time heavyweight champion said the challenger’s power demanded complete focus throughout camp.
“He’s very dangerous,” Joshua said at Thursday’s final press conference.
Joshua believes Prenga’s power demands complete discipline from the opening bell.
“He’s a very good fighter. Very dangerous fighter. Yes I believe it, I know it, I’ve studied it and I’m ready for it.
“I’ve been in the ring with some of the quickest Heavyweights, some of the fittest Heavyweights, I’ve fought some of the strongest Heavyweights, I’ve fought contenders, I’ve fought champions, I’ve been knocked down, I’ve been knocked out.
“But I stand strong today and I’m ready for the challenge one million percent. We are going to find out on Saturday.”
Joshua has consistently faced elite opposition throughout his career, and this fight continues that pattern despite Prenga arriving with less international recognition. The Albanian has ended all 20 of his victories inside the distance and believes he has identified openings that can produce the biggest win of his career.
“Every boxer has their weaknesses and their faults in the ring. No matter who you are,” Prenga said.
“I’ve seen everything. I’ve said it before, I respect Anthony Joshua very much. I grew up watching all of his fights. I’ve seen his weakness, I’ve seen what he does best. On Saturday night I will show exactly what I have paid attention to.”
Heavyweights change fights quickly.
Ring Magazine CEO Rick Reeno believes that uncertainty gives the main event its appeal.
“When you have an unknown commodity it makes for a dangerous fight, especially when the guy is a puncher,” Reeno said. “That’s one thing we know about Prenga more than anything, he can punch.”
Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn also dismissed any suggestion that Joshua has taken a straightforward assignment.
“As you know, other than a little outing at the end of 2025, Anthony Joshua has never taken an easy fight,” Hearn said. “He hasn’t got one on Saturday. He’s continuously fought the very best, he’s continuously lit up the Heavyweight division.
“On Saturday night, live on DAZN, he’ll show the world again there’s many many more chapters to write.”
The undercard features WBO super middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz defending his title against Simon Zachenhuber, while IBF super welterweight champion Josh Kelly makes the first defence of his belt against Caoimhin Agyarko. Reito Tsutsumi, Nishant Dev, Jacob Bank, Pawel August and Saudi prospects Ziyad Almaayouf, Mohammed Alalkel and Sultan Almohammed also appear.
