Anthony Joshua Channels Inner Mike Tyson to Call Out Tyson Fury After Dramatic Comeback Victory

British superstar Anthony Joshua makes a statement by knocking out Kristian Prenga despite early knockdown scare.

Anthony Joshua Channels Inner Mike Tyson to Call Out Tyson Fury After Dramatic Comeback Victory

Anthony Joshua calls out Tyson Fury (via MMA Fighting, X)

Anthony Joshua, this era’s popular heavyweight boxer, recently returned with a convincing victory over Kristian Prenga. It happened in a tune-up bout before his long-awaited showdown against Tyson Fury, scheduled for later in 2026. Joshua also embraced the growing rivalry, delivering his own brand of trash talk while calling out his British rival.

Joshua’s comeback nearly unraveled after Prenga dropped him twice during a stunning opening round, placing the former champion under immediate pressure. The former heavyweight champion survived the scare, regrouped quickly, and returned with sharper timing and greater urgency in the second round.

Joshua gradually took control behind accurate jabs before landing crushing right hands that overwhelmed Prenga and ended the contest by second-round knockout. The dramatic comeback secured his return victory and preserved momentum for the long-awaited Fury showdown later this year.

Joshua’s post-fight speech mirrored Mike Tyson’s famous callout before his 2002 defeat to Lennox Lewis, borrowing the former champion’s unmistakable delivery and phrasing. He embraced the theatrical approach while targeting Fury, adding another layer to their long-running rivalry.

The bout marked Joshua’s first appearance since his December 2025 victory over Jake Paul, ending a lengthy layoff with another statement performance. Joshua stopped Paul by sixth-round knockout, leaving the American with a double broken jaw, while reports claimed the British star earned around $92 million from the event.

Joshua’s victory also marked his long-awaited return after surviving a devastating car accident in Nigeria that left two close friends dead. The former champion escaped with bruised ribs, then spent months recovering physically and emotionally before making his successful comeback against Prenga.

Fury also took a tune-up bout before the blockbuster clash, facing veteran heavyweight Mariusz Wach in Pattaya, Thailand. He dominated the contest before Wach’s corner retired their fighter after seven rounds, keeping Fury on course for the long-awaited showdown against Joshua later in 2026.

Both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury remain on course for their long-awaited showdown despite growing promotional tensions behind the scenes. Dana White and Eddie Hearn have both claimed major promotional roles, but Turki Alalshikh has confirmed the blockbuster fight will happen regardless.

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Long-Awaited Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua Superfight Promised by Turki Alalshikh for 2026

Anthony Joshua gets emotional after knocking out Kristian Prenga

Anthony Joshua endured one of the darkest moments of his life after surviving a devastating car crash in Nigeria during December 2025. The collision claimed the lives of close friends and longtime team members Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, while Joshua escaped with minor injuries after being hospitalized.

The tragedy united the boxing world, with fighters and promoters offering support to the former heavyweight champion during his difficult recovery. Oleksandr Usyk shared a heartfelt message encouraging his former rival turned friend, while Tyson Fury also set aside their rivalry to publicly support Joshua.

Anthony Joshua
Anthony Joshua (via Sky Sports)

Joshua later revealed that he spent time with the families of Ghami and Ayodele while continuing to process the devastating loss away from boxing. His emotional return against Kristian Prenga ended with visible tears, marking his first fight without his longtime friends and trusted cornermen by his side.

That was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina, that was the families. That hurts even talking about it… It’s been tough. It’s my brothers. But I don’t want to talk about it.

Anthony Joshua via DAZN in ring interview

Joshua’s comeback became a tribute to Ghami and Ayodele, as he wore special ring attire honoring his late friends. Their names were displayed on his shorts, while “My Brother’s Keeper” was written on his corner. The emotional return followed the tragedy before Anthony Joshua secured a knockout victory over Prenga.

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