Anthony Joshua celebrated his comeback after a difficult period. © APA/afp / -

After fatal accident: Boxing star prevents comeback debacle

Knockout victory after early shock: Two-time heavyweight boxing world champion Anthony Joshua prevented a debacle in his first fight since his car accident.

July 26, 2026

From: apa/dpa/sn

The Briton knocked out Albanian Kristian Prenga in the second round on Saturday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after having already been knocked down in the first round and then given a further standing eight count.

It was Joshua's first fight since his car accident in December 2025, in which two of the boxer's friends were killed. Sina Ghami was Joshua's personal trainer, and Latif "Latz" Ayodele was another of his coaches. Joshua himself survived the accident in Nigeria with minor injuries.

Joshua (linis) prevailed against Kristian Prenga. © APA/afp / -

The 36-year-old's improved performance not only secured his victory but also a planned multi-million dollar fight. According to promoter Eddie Hearn, a contract for a fight later this year between Joshua and British boxing star Tyson Fury (37) has already been signed. The condition, however, was that both fighters win their tune-up bouts. Fury had recently done so against Poland's Mariusz Wach.