‘It was for Latz, Sina’ – Joshua dedicates comeback victory to late friends

n n

Britain’s boxer Anthony Joshua celebrates winning against Albania’s boxer Kristian Prenga in their heavyweight boxing fight at the Jeddah Superdome in Jeddah on July 26, 2026. Two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua survived two early knockdowns on the way to a second-round knockout of Kristian Prenga on July 26, his triumphant ring return paving the way for a blockbuster all-British bout with Tyson Fury. (Photo by AFP)

n

Nigerian-British-born heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has dedicated his victory over Kristian Prenga to his late friends and trainers, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, after overcoming knockdowns to secure a second-round knockout win.

n

The bout marked Joshua’s first fight since a car crash in Nigeria in December claimed the lives of Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, and Ayodele, his personal trainer.

n

Joshua entered the ring wearing camouflage attire bearing the names of the deceased coaches in their honour.

n

Speaking after the fight, the former world heavyweight champion described the victory as a tribute to their memory.

n

“It’s what champions do. We rise, we get knocked down, and we stand up and keep going. That’s life.

n

“It was more than punch power. That was Spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina and their families. It still hurts to talk about it. It’s been tough.”

n

Joshua, who started the contest as the overwhelming favourite, suffered a dramatic opening round after Prenga knocked him down twice within the first three minutes.

n

However, the British boxer recovered to dominate the contest, eventually stopping the Albanian in the second round to remain on course for a highly anticipated showdown with fellow Briton Tyson Fury.

n

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, praised the former champion’s resilience, describing his performance as remarkable given the personal tragedy he had endured.

n

“No one can imagine what Anthony has been through in the last seven months.

n

“To even step into the ring was astonishing,” Hearn said.

n

He added that Joshua had used his training camp to remain focused while coping with grief, noting that the fighter had shown exceptional determination after being knocked down twice.

n

Hearn also confirmed that contracts had been signed for the long-awaited heavyweight clash between Joshua and Fury, although the date and venue are yet to be announced.

n

Fury, who defeated 46-year-old Mariusz Wach in Thailand on Friday, did not attend Joshua’s fight as he returned to the Isle of Man after his bout.

n

Joshua welcomed the prospect of facing Fury, saying he respected his fellow Briton’s achievements but was ready for the contest.

n

“I respect everything he has achieved, but this is the fight we’ve been calling for, and now we’re here.

n

“I hope the fans will enjoy it.

n

“I’ve learnt that I can’t be stopped, I won’t be denied, and we’re coming.” Joshua added. (NAN)

n n