Kristian Prenga, beaten in two rounds by Anthony Joshua after dropping and hurting him in the opener, believes Saturday’s opponent will be too much for Tyson Fury when the two British veterans meet later in the year.
Prenga, 20-2 (20 KOs), was considered by Fury to have no chance heading into the Saudi Arabia showpiece last week.
“I think both are tough and good fighters but ‘AJ’ knocks Tyson Fury out,” Prenga said.
“I would fight Tyson any day. He ran his mouth before my fight with AJ. I would welcome showing him my Albanian power in the ring anytime he is ready for it.”
Fury wasn’t alone, however.
Prenga surprised everyone with his fast start. It was a start so fast, in fact, that plenty were left bemused by him noticeably slowing down in the decisive second.
Joshua, 30-4 (27 KOs), quickly took advantage, bossing proceedings, finding his range, and knocking Prenga out. Some – like TalkSport’s Simon Jordan – even went as far to suggest that the outcome was fixed.
“Completely false and irresponsible for anyone to suggest it,” Prenga said, while talking to SveaCasino. “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.”
Prenga confirmed recent news from his manager Keith Sullivan that an illness in the build-up caused his energy to deplete. The 35-year-old Albanian will now rest before making the most of the name he made for himself last weekend.
“What does the future hold? My manager, Keith Sullivan is a lawyer and boxing manager. He is talking to the right people and will plot a course forward. Maybe a fight in Albania, maybe back in Saudi Arabia. We have options to consider. Right now, for me, it is rest and letting Keith handle the business.”
