Connect with us

Boxing

Kristian Prenga Reveals Why He Skipped KO Opportunity Against Anthony Joshua in Round 2

Published

on

"Kristian Prenga Reveals Why He Skipped KO Opportunity Against Anthony Joshua in Round 2"

Kristian Prenga came close to knocking out Anthony Joshua and causing a showdown with Tyson Fury to collapse, only to then be stopped himself in round two. Now, the Albanian heavyweight has responded to suspicions that his clash with ‘AJ’ was somehow fixed.

The previously unknown Prenga caught Joshua clean and cold in the opening 20 seconds of their duel in Jeddah, dramatically flooring the two-time unified heavyweight world champion with a sneaky uppercut and then dropping the him for a second time just moments later.

Joshua managed to survive and negate the pressure of Prenga, who looked to be on the verge of a life-changing win.

Yet, in round two, Prenga’s momentum seemed to disintegrate, as the 35-year-old confusingly boxed on the back foot and allowed Joshua to take the centre of the ring, rather than continuing the attempted onslaught that had proved so successful in the opening round.

As a result, Joshua regained his confidence and soon made Prenga pay for his tactical blunder, mercilessly quashing any hopes of a fairytale win with a brutal three-punch combination to close the show.

In response, some fight fans have doubted the legitimacy of Prenga’s mistake and suggested that other forces may have been at play, with TalkSPORT’s Simon Jordan saying on social media that ‘something was not quite right’.

In response, Kristian Prenga has hit back at the TalkSPORT host, explaining that his decision to slow down in round two was done to preserve his energy, as per SveaCasino.

“Simon Jordan’s fight fix comments are straight stupidity.

“What do I make of Simon Jordan’s comments? Completely false, and irresponsible for anyone to suggest it. AJ and I have integrity, we would never engage in this stupidity.

“I felt I needed to preserve energy and catch my breath, so I thought I would start slow and replenish my energy. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen, and that slower pace allowed AJ to flip control of the fight to him.”

Jordan has since cooled on his comments, saying he has changed his opinion after speaking to some knowledgeable people in the sport.

Joshua is now expected to proceed with a meeting against Fury in November at Madison Square Garden, with an official announcement anticipated imminently. Prenga will have another fight under Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom banner.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Boxing

Anthony Joshua Teams Up with Top Trainer for Anticipated Tyson Fury Showdown

Published

on

"Anthony Joshua Teams Up with Top Trainer for Anticipated Tyson Fury Showdown"

Anthony Joshua is finally set to take on Tyson Furyand promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that a world-renowned trainer will be helping Joshua prepare for his showdown with ‘The Gypsy King’.

‘AJ’ has teamed up with Team Usyk for his last two professional contests, with Iegor Golub acting as lead trainer in back-to-back knockout wins against Jake Paul and Kristian Prenga within the last 10 months.

Despite being victorious, Joshua has been criticised for not dispatching of Paul quicker and for twice being dropped by unknown Albanian Prenga ahead of his long-awaited bout with fellow two-time heavyweight ruler Tyson Fury.

In a clip captured by Pro Boxing FansHearn has revealed that Ben Davison, a former trainer of both Fury and Joshua who he labelled as ‘one of the best in the world’, will be involved in ‘AJ’s camp for the December 11 clash which will take place in Cardiff.

“Even when Ben wasn’t his principal trainer – he was just working with him – strategically, talking all of the time, I think he respects Ben a lot. Obviously, there is probably a feeling that Ben Davison knows Tyson Fury extremely well.

“For me, I think that he is one of the best trainers in the world. I don’t know AJ’s final decision as to where he is going to locate his training camp but Ben Davison will definitely be involved in that camp and in that process.”

It is unknown whether Davison will be re-appointed as Joshua’s lead trainer in Golub’s place or if the pair will work together as part of a wider ‘AJ’ coaching unit.

Continue Reading

Boxing

Jose Benavidez Sr Declares Unbeatable Welterweight Champion in Boxing News

Published

on

"Jose Benavidez Sr Declares Unbeatable Welterweight Champion in Boxing News"

Jose Benavidez Sr is the father and trainer of potential Fighter of the Year candidate, David Benavidezwho has risen the pound-for-pound rankings with his solitary outing of 2026.

Now, Benavidez Sr has given praise to another reigning world champion, believing that nobody in his division can defeat him.

Benavidez made the 25lb leap up to cruiserweight earlier this year and dethroned unified world champion, Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez upon his debut in the division as he announced himself to the 200lb scene in style.

In December, Benavidez will look to add an additional cruiserweight title to his collection, expected to collide with newly-elevated WBC cruiserweight king, Michal Cieslak, in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, December 12.

Although, whilst his son is receiving credit for his efforts this year, Benavidez Sr told Fight Hub TV how impressed he was by WBC welterweight titleholder Ryan Garciawhen witnessing ‘King Ry’ halt Conor Benn inside two rounds earlier this month.

“It was spectacular. Ryan Garcia has a lot of speed, he is super fast, he has got that hook. It’s unbelievable. When Ryan focusses and stays sharp he is a very dangerous fighter in that division.

“I just don’t see nobody beating him and he brings a lot of people, so at the end of the day, the sky is the limit for him. He is doing great, I am a big fan and I think that, at this point right now, I don’t see nobody beating him.”

Like Benavidez, Garcia is also looking to compete again before the end of the calendar, eyeing up a December showdown with Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz.

Continue Reading

Boxing

Arturo Torres Collapses After Fatal TKO: Shocking Video Highlights Tragic Boxing Incident

Published

on

"Arturo Torres Collapses After Fatal TKO: Shocking Video Highlights Tragic Boxing Incident"

Horrific footage has emerged showing Arturo “Lobito” Torres collapsing in the ring moments after his final fight was stopped in Mexicali.

Torres died on September 25six days after suffering serious injuries following his fight at Parque Vicente Guerrero on September 19.

The 26-year-old’s corner had already stopped the contest when Torres remained on his feet for a matter of seconds.

Then his body gave way.

Footage shows Torres slumping limply to the canvas as those around him immediately rush to his aid.

He was subsequently hospitalized and underwent emergency surgery, but his injuries ultimately proved too severe.

Torres died six days after stepping into the ring for the final time.

Arturo Torres Funeral

Torres was laid to rest in Mexicali on September 28 as family, friends and members of the local community said goodbye to the young fighter.

Footage from Mexico showed a lengthy funeral procession making its way through the city nine days after his final fight.

Sadly, the sight of a boxer’s limp body slumping to the canvas is not unfamiliar in this sport.

Having covered boxing for 16 years, World Boxing News is all too familiar with the distressing sight of a fighter in trouble after a hard contest.

Sometimes the consequences mean the end of a career. On terrible occasions, they are far greater.

For Torres, what happened after his final fight ended with a young life being cut tragically short.

The footage is difficult enough to watch without knowing what happened next. Knowing that Torres never recovered makes those final moments in the ring considerably harder.

Nine days after the fight, the streets of Mexicali filled for his funeral procession.

Arturo “Lobito” Torres was only 26.


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.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending