Anthony Joshua pays tribute to Kristian Prenga after knockout win

JEDDAH: Anthony Joshua paid emotional tribute to Kristian Prenga and his team after securing a knockout victory over the Albanian heavyweight on Saturday, thanking his opponent for providing a stern test before reflecting on a difficult period in his personal life.

The former world heavyweight champion, who battled back from a challenging opening round to stop Prenga, praised the Albanian's courage and predicted a bright future for the unbeaten contender.

"I want to give a massive thank you to Kristian Prenga and his team for putting up a good fight," Joshua said after the bout.

"It means a lot to them and to me and that's why you see what you see in the ring.

"I also give thanks to God. It was more than me which picked me up, it can't just be me in those situations, so there is a higher calling."

Joshua also highlighted Prenga's qualities, suggesting the 34-year-old had the attributes to compete at the highest level with greater experience.

"He's a strong guy. I think Eddie Hearn wants to sign him now. But he's going to do well, he's got a bright future. I'm a serious fighter, I know what I'm doing and I know my way around the ring,” Joshua said.

"Maybe with a bit more experience he'll be up there with the rest of us. But he's a serious fighter, he's strong, durable and he came and gave me a good test.”

The victory was followed by an emotional moment as Joshua was asked about the recent accident involving people close to him. Struggling to hold back his emotions, the Briton briefly addressed the subject before declining to elaborate.

"It's been tough... They are my brothers, I don't want to talk about it," Joshua said, visibly emotional.

Joshua's victory keeps him on course for a long-awaited heavyweight showdown with fellow Briton Tyson Fury later this year.