Anthony Joshua knocks out Kristian Prenga to set up Tyson Fury showdown

JEDDAH: Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua battled back from a difficult opening round to knock out Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga on Saturday, paving the way for a long-awaited blockbuster clash with Tyson Fury.

Fighting for the first time since two of his best friends died in a car crash in Nigeria in December in which he was injured, the 36-year-old Joshua was floored by a thunderous right uppercut within the opening 30 seconds, and he took another count late in the first round.

Joshua entered the ring in the second round with a lot of firepower, including roundhouse right hands which hit Prenga in the ropes and the Albanian was unable to get up from, before the referee stopped the fight.

Reflecting on his triumph, Joshua praises Prenga, says champions prove themselves by rising after adversity.

"He (Prenga) is a serious fighter, strong, durable and he came and gave me a good test, but this is what champions do - we rise, man. We get knocked down, we stand up and we keep going. That's life," Joshua told reporters.

Fury beat Mariusz Wach in Thailand on Friday in a fight that was not broadcast live on television, with the 46-year-old Pole retiring on his stool before the eighth round, and Joshua's victory cleared the way for a bout between the two Britons that has been agreed for later this year.

Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn praises 36-year-old’s resilience after overcoming early knockdowns to secure victory.

"We've signed the contract, everything's done, but to be honest with you, tonight is all about the strength that he showed to even be here tonight, and the strength that he had to show in that fight," Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn said.

"When you go down a couple of times in the first round and you're looking like your career might be over, he had to go to the depths one more time to get up and fight on."