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.
Unbeaten Dominique Francis believes he is closer to boxing’s elite than many realize as the 16-0 super featherweight contender prepares for his return under the Zuffa Boxing banner.
Francis has stopped 10 opponents during his professional career and will return on July 26 against Hector Andres Sosa at Madison Square Garden Theater in New York on Paramount+.
The Miami native has been out of action since his fourth-round knockout of Julio Carrera Lugo in October 2024, but Francis insists the time away from the ring has not changed his belief or his approach.
Speaking exclusively to World Boxing News on the eve of the fight, Francis explained why he does not fear inactivity, why he believes Zuffa has changed opportunities for fighters, and why he feels the world champions are closer than many expect.
Francis Refuses To Blame The Layoff
Francis does not believe a layoff of that nature automatically affects a fighter’s ability if the work continues behind the scenes.
“It ain’t change my mindset. You seen Floyd Mayweather fight Juan Manuel Márquezhe took 21 months off of boxing,” Francis told WBN.
“At the same time, with me, you know what I’m saying, he was as sharp as he, like sharpest he ever was. I don’t believe in all that. If you working and you inside the gym, you alright.”
Zuffa Gives Fighters More Opportunities
Francis believes joining Zuffa provides a valuable platform for fighters, but he knows his own preparation remains his responsibility.
“It’s very important, but you know, they going they going to handle that. It’s just me to do my job: stay in the gym, stay in shape, stay healthy, you know what I mean, so whenever I get a call, we can make it happen.”
The 16-0 contender is also excited about competing on Paramount+ and believes the boxing landscape is changing.
“Oh man, very I’m very thankful for this opportunity, man. The landscape changed a lot, man, ’cause you know, now you have more fighters that have opportunity now.
“They have places to go, you know what I mean? So the landscape changed a lot, they have places to go, and that’s a great thing for us fighters, man.”
Francis was pleased with his last performance against Lugo but is not looking back as he prepares for the next stage of his career.
“My last performance was good. It was a it was a good performance, but that don’t matter no more, you know what I mean? ‘Cause now it’s about this performance.”
“I’m Closer Than I Even Think”
Francis has clear ambitions for the next 12 months and believes continued improvement will put him in position for bigger opportunities.
“I want to be prosperity, to keep learning, and I want growth, definitely growth, as long as you keep going. So keep prospering and keep learning and keep growing. For sure, for sure.”
When asked about his distance from the world champions, Francis made it clear that he believes he belongs closer to the top than many might expect.
“I’m closer than I even think, and I know that. ‘Cause I be seeing a lot of things that I’ll see on TV with the top guys, whatever like that, but they’re just normal guys, man.
“They just normal guys that put in the hard work. And one thing about me, I’m a guy that put in the hard work, and I have the talent, skills, and ability.”
No Distractions Ahead Of Return
Francis believes his latest training camp has given him the ideal foundation before his return.
“This training camp was beautiful, coaching, um trajectory was very well, no distractions. No distractions at all, great recovery and understanding.”
The 25-year-old now gets the chance to prove his confidence inside the ring, with the unbeaten contender believing the next stage of his career can bring him closer to the biggest names in boxing.
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