British-Nigerian heavyweight rises from two knockdowns to stop Albanian challenger in explosive second round, hinting at long-awaited Fury showdown.

Anthony Joshua delivered a statement performance in the early hours of Saturday, staging a dramatic comeback to knock out Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga after a shaky start.

The British-Nigerian boxer was rocked early in the contest, as Prenga came out firing and caught Joshua with heavy shots in the opening round. In a shocking twist, the former world champion was sent to the canvas twice, raising fears of a major upset.

But Joshua showed resilience and composure under pressure. Regaining his footing, he began to assert control with sharp combinations and calculated aggression, gradually shifting momentum in his favour.

The turnaround came swiftly in the second round. Joshua unleashed a series of powerful punches, capped by a decisive right hand that sent Prenga crashing down. The referee stepped in immediately, bringing the fight to an emphatic end.

An emotional Joshua, 36, hinted that the victory meant more than just another win in the ring. Fighting back tears, he credited his family for the strength to push through a difficult period in his life.

“This is more than punch power. That was spirit… that was family,” he said briefly before stepping away from the microphone, visibly overwhelmed.

Attention is now turning to a potential blockbuster clash with Tyson Fury. While speculation had suggested Fury might be ringside, the British rival was absent following his own recent win in Thailand.

Joshua, however, made it clear he is ready.

“I respect everything he’s achieved, but we’re here now. I hope the fans get a great fight,” he said.

Although contracts for the bout have reportedly been signed, details of the venue and date remain unresolved.

For now, the night belongs to Joshua — a victory carved out of adversity that reaffirms his place among boxing’s elite heavyweights.