Anthony Joshua’s long-awaited return to the ring could hardly have unfolded in a more remarkable way.
Stepping between the ropes for the first time since the accident that sidelined him, the former two-time heavyweight champion found himself in deep trouble almost immediately. Prenga sent Joshua to the canvas twice in a frantic opening round, leaving many inside the arena wondering if the comeback was slipping away.
Instead, Joshua showed exactly why he has remained one of boxing’s biggest names. He came out for the second round with renewed belief, settled into his rhythm, and slowly turned the tide. Once he found his range, a barrage of clean right hands forced Prenga onto the back foot before one final shot brought the contest to an abrupt end.
The result was about far more than another name on Joshua’s record. After months away from the sport and one of the toughest chapters of his life, the 36-year-old answered every question about his mindset and readiness in the clearest way possible.
With that performance, Joshua has put himself back among the leading names in the heavyweight division and added fresh fuel to growing calls for a long-awaited meeting with Tyson Fury later this year.
