Boxing
Opponent Anthony Joshua’s 20 KOs resulted in 196 total losses after a 1-2 early defeat
Anthony Joshua’s next opponent has a perfect knockout rate on paper, but a closer look at that record raises immediate questions about what that number actually means.
Putting this fight under the WBN lens, Kristian Prenga had 20 stoppages for a total of 196 losses, a figure that outshines much of the luster of his undefeated KO streak and was portrayed as a threat in Matchroom’s recent announcement.
On the surface, the numbers suggest danger. In reality, the double-digit number of stoppages masks careful selection and controlled progression, rather than a proven test at the level at which Joshua has operated for the better part of a decade.
This becomes clearer when we look at one of the first blemishes on Prenga’s record.
Early failure in context
Prenga’s lone defeat came in just his fifth professional appearance, an eight-round decision to Dutchman Giovanni Auriemma in Steenwijk. Complaints about a hometown decision pale in comparison to a player whose story tells a story of its own.
Auriemma finished with a modest 2-6-2 record and no knockout victories in ten fights, playing mostly at the grassroots level and struggling to make an impact beyond it.
His victory over Prenga stands out from the rest of his resume, which largely consists of losses and draws against similarly modest opponents.
This is not an interpretation of Prengi’s current abilities. It just shows the record and the fact that he failed to knock out a journeyman in 24 minutes of action.
Record under a microscope
When these details are paired with Prengi’s streak of early finishes, a bigger picture quickly emerges.
A fighter with a 100% KO rate, one whose opponents have suffered 196 defeats and whose only defeat came after a 1-2 victory, belongs to a very specific category.
This happens more often than it should. But that explains why the reaction to this fight was what it is.
Fans on social media called the fight a “waste of time” and used offensive terms, with one fan even stating that he would prefer to watch the rematch with Jake Paul on July 25 in Riyad.
Joshua is in no unknown danger. It will be matched to a player who has been brought in in a way that minimizes risk and maximizes appearance.
This distinction matters. Prenga was blown up after an impressive 20 wins and 20 KOs. But this isn’t a test – it’s a formality disguised as one.
If you look at it, opportunity is the problem because it’s the type of contract and headlining gig that boxers break their records for and why there are so many guarded records in this sport.
To give US and UK viewers a point of reference, Prenga can be compared to Christopher Lovejoy. Lovejoy eventually strengthened after amassing 19 KOs from 19 fights, but was pummeled by Manuel Charr in two uncomfortable rounds.
Lovejoy’s record today is 20-3-1, with every fight outside of Mexico ending in a failed attempt at victory.
Toasty-up under control
It’s understandable for Joshua to want to composed down after the trauma of what he went through.
But it comes down to what could have been staged in the gym as a warm-up, without dressing up as the hit of the season in Riyad. This is not.
This is just another event in Saudi Arabia’s portfolio, and likely fits into commitments to DAZN and Turki Alalshikh’s broader schedule.
Joshua’s fight immediately aired on Netflix after appearing there in December. It probably went over the edge in terms of formality, leaving fans to deal with the mess that was left as usual.
What we get now is more waiting. Potentially another eight months leading up to the December fight with Tyson Fury, which will hopefully land him where he belongs – in the British Isles.
If the current direction points to a different pre-Christmas date in the Riyad season, the reaction of British fans will be predictable, even with the promise of a rematch at Wembley.
Choosing your opponent
When it comes to Prenga, the less said about this choice, the better.
The Albanian has one notable win against Joey Dawejko, whose name Joshua knows well from sparring before the fight with Andy Ruiz Jr. in Recent York.
Plus, the comparison becomes harder to ignore and only prolongs the disappointment felt after a decade-long wait for a British superfight hanging in the balance.
Joshua is effectively returning to the level of opposition he faced before his fight with Dillian Whyte in 2015, when his early streak was based on quick finishes and narrow resistance.
At this stage, no one had lasted three rounds with Joshua as he bulldozed his way through opponents such as Gary Cornish at the O2 Arena.
Should Prenga be expected to beat this three-round benchmark – probably not.
About the author
Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.
Floyd Mayweather has confirmed a December 19 exhibition against Matty Floyd in Bangkok, calling the contest a warm-up before facing Ryan Garcia, with Mike Zambidis, Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao absent from his latest plans.
The undefeated boxing legend announced the fight through his verified Instagram account, confirming he will face the Australian in Thailand at an event billed as “The GOAT vs. The Jedi.”
“This is a lil tune up before me and Ryan Garcia lock up,” Mayweather stated.
The statement comes after months of plans involving Tyson, Zambidis and Pacquiao, none of whom has made it into the ring with Mayweather despite previous announcements.
In Mayweather’s last interview at a Dmitriy Salita promotion, the former pound-for-pound king stated he was heading to Greece to fulfill his postponed agreement with Zambidis.
Mayweather vs. Matty Floyd
The December 19 exhibition will see Mayweather face a fighter already familiar to World Boxing News readers.
Floyd, nicknamed “The Jedi,” faced former world champion James DeGale under Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship rules, losing a unanimous decision in September 2025.
The Australian later told WBN that DeGale had reportedly knocked out six sparring partners before their contest, insisting his awkward style made the former Olympic champion look ordinary.
Floyd also became involved in a bizarre feud with Billy Joe Saunders, even traveling to England for a proposed meeting in a pub car park.
The confrontation never happened, despite Floyd telling WBN he had flown over specifically to confront Saunders.
Mayweather vs. Ryan Garcia
Whatever happens against Floyd, Mayweather could have the opportunity to challenge Garcia for the WBC welterweight title if a professional fight can be agreed.
Garcia has already made it clear he wants a professional contest against Mayweather, rather than an exhibition.
As WBN reported on October 7Garcia revealed that Mayweather had approached him about a potential fight.
“I’m ready Floyd, remember you made this call,” Garcia stated.
The reigning WBC welterweight champion wants Mayweather’s famous 50-0 record on the line.
Mayweather, who turns 50 in February, has not fought professionally since defeating Conor McGregor in 2017.
David Benavidez has already warned Mayweather against risking his undefeated record against the younger champion.
Tyson and Pacquiao Plans
During a recent PBD Podcast appearance, Mayweather indicated an exhibition with Tyson would come before the Pacquiao rematch.
The Pacquiao fight has already suffered repeated delays, with the original September plans falling apart amid unresolved commitments and legal complications.
Mayweather previously suggested the rematch was close to being finalized, only for Pacquiao’s representatives to acknowledge that negotiations remained on “Floyd Time.”
Neither the Tyson nor Pacquiao fight has been formally canceled, while no date or signed agreement has been announced for Garcia.
Whether the Bangkok appearance leads to a professional comeback against Garcia remains to be seen. Mayweather has named plenty of potential opponents, but getting those fights over the line has proved a different matter.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a BWAA-acknowledged boxing news website founded in 2010. A veteran boxing reporter with 16 years of experience, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside from major events. His work is published worldwide through WBN and distributed on platforms including Apple News.
Read Phil Jay’s full bio and latest stories.
Canelo Alvarez defeated Christian Mbilli in Riyadh just two days after ballistic missile debris fell in the Saudi capital, but Turki Alalshikh snubbed the Mexican superstar by spending much of the fight talking to the person beside him instead of watching the action.
Alvarez reclaimed the WBC super middleweight title by unanimous decision, with judges scoring the contest 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112. World Boxing News scored the fight 118-110.
Canelo’s reported $47 million guarantee was part of his lucrative four-fight agreement with Riyadh Season.
The fight went ahead despite serious security concerns after Saudi Civil Defense reported that debris from two intercepted Houthi ballistic missiles fell in Riyadh on Thursday, October 29.
One civilian suffered minor injuries, while a house and vehicle were damaged just two days before Canelo and Mbilli stepped into the ring.
Yet as Canelo fought, Alalshikh repeatedly turned toward his ringside companion for lengthy conversations.
World Boxing News witnessed Alalshikh talking during the vast majority of rounds, including several moments when the fighters were exchanging punches directly in front of him.
For a fighter of Canelo’s stature, competing for a world title in a contest worth a reported $47 million to him, the repeated conversations gave the appearance of a ringside snub from the man helping bankroll the event.
Turki’s Ringside Behavior
Turki’s extraordinary behavior caught the attention of fans, as well as WBN.
“Nice to see the massive fight fan Turki Al-Sheikh having a conversation throughout the entire fight,” one viewer posted on X.
Another declared: “Turki has completely checked out of boxing.”
A third posted: “Bro Turki Alalshikh hasn’t watched a moment of this fight ….”
WBN’s Take
Turki proclaims to be a boxing fan, but showing up and appearing so blatantly uninterested in watching the action hardly supports that claim.
It almost looked as though the matchmaker wanted to make a point about something. Whether that was his intention is something only Alalshikh can explain.
Why would anyone involved in bringing Canelo back for a fight reportedly worth almost $50 million to the Mexican, with the contest going ahead in Riyadh just two days after missile debris injured a civilian and damaged property, appear so uninterested in watching?
It’s unfathomable and, in WBN’s view, an indication that boxing still has a long way to go in the region.
Alalshikh has brought enormous money into boxing and helped make some major fights happen. But spending millions does not automatically mean you get a free pass for everything.
Boxing suffers when those running it give the impression they don’t care about what’s transpiring in front of them.
Unfortunately for Turki, his behavior during Canelo’s victory will give further fuel to those who already criticize.
He could have been discussing business, but why choose those 36 minutes to do so when Canelo was fighting for a world title directly in front of him?
The man helping Canelo’s later career appeared to have other things on his mind. Whatever his reasons, repeatedly turning away from one of boxing’s biggest stars during a world title victory was, in WBN’s view, a poor look for all concerned.
And the fact Turki jumped into the ring afterwards to celebrate wildly only adds to the mystery of why he spent so much of the fight looking elsewhere.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a BWAA-acknowledged boxing news website founded in 2010. A veteran boxing reporter with 16 years of experience, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside from major events. His work is published worldwide through WBN and distributed on platforms including Apple News.
Read Phil Jay’s full bio and latest stories.
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