Anthony Joshua survived two knockdowns before brutally KO’ing Kristian Penga to set up a blockbuster fight with Tyson Fury.
The former heavyweight champion was knocked down just 20 seconds into the contest – the earliest he has ever hit the canvas in a fight.
Tszyu v Spence Jr. | Sunday July 26 from 11am AEST | Tim Tszyu takes on the biggest name in his career so far – future hall-of-famer Errol Spence Jr, in a can’t miss event for boxing fans around the world. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
Joshua returned to his feet but was dropped a second time in the opening round, stunning the crowd in Saudi Arabia.
However he came out roaring in round two and landed two devastating punches to send Prenga flying into the ropes in a brutal KO.
The Albania was unable to continue with Joshua’s victory setting up a fight with Fury, who defeated Mariusz Wach in a non-televised bout in the early hours of Saturday morning [AEST].
Joshua was seen laughing as soon as he knocked out Prenga, and the Brit was in a playful mood during his post-fight interview, even mimicking the great Mike Tyson.
“I was gonna rip his heart out, I’m the best ever,” said Joshua when asked about fighting Fury.
“I’m the most brutal and vicious and most ruthless champion there’s ever been, there’s no one can stop me. Lennox is a conqueror?
“No, I’m Alexander—he’s no Alexander. I’m the best ever. There’s never been anybody as ruthless.”
Joshua called out for Fury but the Gypsy King was nowhere to be seen inside the venue.
The two titans have agreed to a blockbuster fight in November after signing a deal with Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.
Joshua broke down in tears at the end of his fight – his first since being involved in a car crash that claimed the lives of his close friends, Latif “Latz” Ayodele and Sina Ghami, in December.
“I am a serious fighter and I know what to do around the ring,” said Joshua after his win.
“He [Prenga] gave me a good test but we got up and that’s what champions do.
“That was more than power – that was Sina and Latz and family. I can’t even talk about it.
“It’s been tough…
“They were my brothers – I don’t want to talk about it.
“I learned I cannot be stopped or denied. I am coming, trust me.”