Ready to 'conquer Earth' - Joshua embraces comeback spotlight

Anthony Joshua, 36, greeted reporters with a relaxed laugh, thanked fans for making the trip and urged a sizable Albanian contingent to bring their “energy” for his comeback heavyweight bout in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The fight marks Joshua’s first appearance since a car crash in Nigeria last December that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele. He will face Albanian puncher Kristian Prenga in the ring. A victory would place Joshua on the brink of an all‑British heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury, provided Fury also wins his warm‑up bout against Mariusz Wach in Thailand on Friday. Speaking at Thursday’s press conference in Jeddah, Joshua said, “We’ve been moving since January, moving hard, keeping my head down and aligning each my stars.” He added, “I’m fully focused. I recognize there’s a big picture. The goal is to conquer the universe, right? But first we must conquer Earth. And this is my people here.” Joshua stopped YouTuber‑turned‑boxer Jake Paul in Miami just 10 days before the fatal crash. He has not defeated an established heavyweight since besting Otto Wallin in December 2023. Prenga, now based in New Jersey, has won 20 professional bouts by knockout and lost once, but the 35‑year‑old has not faced an opponent of Joshua’s caliber. His manager, Keith Sullivan, called the contest a “real‑life Rocky moment,” while Prenga predicted he would win by knockout. When asked whether he believed Prenga could knock him out, Joshua replied, “Can he sound me out? I truly don’t think it,” and added, “But only God knows that.” Joshua appeared noticeably more relaxed than in previous fight weeks. He left his headphones behind, exchanged jokes with the media while wearing a blazer in the sweltering Jeddah heat, and saluted supporters as he took the stage. He told reporters, “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,” noting his career record of 29 victories — 26 inside the distance — and four defeats. “I’ve fought contenders. I’ve fought champions. I’ve been knocked down. I’ve been knocked out. I stand firm today and I’m ready for the situation 100 percent.” An Albanian fan shouted, “You ain’t ready,” to which Joshua responded, “We’re going to find out on Saturday and I want to hear your voice shouting. I want that energy in the ring.” Discussion inevitably turned to Tyson Fury, who is expected to arrive in Jeddah from Thailand on Friday. Promoter Eddie Hearn said there are “many, many more chapters to write” in Joshua’s career, beginning with the long‑awaited meeting with Fury, which is mooted to take place early this year. Joshua acknowledged the media’s interest but deflected questions about Fury. “We don’t want to talk about Tyson Fury,” he said. “Respectfully, I’ve done all the media I can about what the future holds. Our focus is [Prenga] and his team.” He concluded, “Let’s focus on the job. Anyone can be there on Saturday. The more tickets sold, the better.”