Hearn praised Joshua’s recovery and reminded fans that Kristian Prenga still stands between him and Tyson Fury
Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua’s July 25 return against Kristian Prenga represents one of the biggest comebacks of his career. The Matchroom chairman praised Joshua’s recovery and warned that the signed Tyson Fury fight means nothing if Prenga pulls off an upset in Riyadh.
Joshua is coming back from a car crash, with the Tyson Fury fight already signed for later in the year. Hearn used today’s kickoff press conference to sell Joshua’s comeback as both personal and professional while warning that Prenga still has the chance to wreck the bigger plan.
“For me, this is one of the great comebacks. We’re incredibly proud of what he’s done to return to the ring physically and emotionally,” Hearn said at today’s kickoff press conference.
“Boxing is his purpose, boxing is his peace. I see a guy who is more driven and more focused than ever to not just demolish Prenga on July 25th. Not just to demolish Tyson Fury, but also to become world heavyweight champion again.
“The dream now feels like it has more purpose than it’s ever had. As his promoter and his friend, we’re incredibly proud of him. There’s a lot of media here today, talking about Joshua carrying the sport of boxing. This was never his intent. The reality is, the fact is, the reason we’re here and the reason we’re having these big Riyadh Season events is because of the energy and purpose and power this man ejected into the sport over the last 15 years, from an Olympic gold in London to becoming a heavyweight champion.”
Hearn also credited Joshua with helping turn British heavyweight boxing into a stadium attraction before Saudi Arabia became the center of the sport’s biggest events.
“Even the Dillian Whyte fight at the O2. Stadium boxing wasn’t a thing until this guy started filling them up,” Hearn said.
“And we know the risks that are coming on July 25th. Everyone knows the fight with Tyson Fury is signed. Everybody knows that’s the biggest fight in boxing. But there’s a guy [Prenga], who every time they step up to fight Joshua, they raise the bar.”
The Fury fight may already be signed, but Hearn’s message was that Joshua still has business to take care of first. Prenga is largely unknown to casual fans, yet he stands between Joshua and the biggest payday of his career. One mistake on July 25 could change everything.
