Joshua vs Prenga LIVE!
Anthony Joshua remains on course for a super-fight against Tyson Fury despite suffering a major unexpected scare against Kristian Prenga. Joshua was the overwhelming favourite to brush aside his little-known Albanian opponent in Jeddah on Saturday night, but was knocked down twice in a disastrous first round as Prenga threated to pull off one of the biggest upsets in boxing history that would surely have derailed plans for Joshua to finally face Fury in a long-awaited all-British heavyweight showdown later in 2026.
However, Joshua recovered quickly to knock out Prenga in the second round of what was his first fight since suffering minor injuries as a passenger in a serious car accident in Nigeria in December that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and long-time team members in Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele. Fury was not in attendance at the Jeddah Superdome following his dominant seventh-round defeat of veteran Mariusz Wach in Thailand on Friday.
Elsewhere on Saturday’s main card, Hamzah Sheeraz successfully defended his WBO super-middleweight title for the first time despite an underwhelming display against Simon Zachenhuber, while Josh Kelly remains the IBF super-welterweight champion after a gruelling battle with Caoimhin Agyarko. There were also impressive early wins for Reito Tsutsumi, Jacob Bank and Nishant Dev. Follow Joshua vs Prenga reaction live below!
Joshua vs Prenga latest news
- Anthony Joshua sends Tyson Fury message ahead of super-fight
- Joshua dramatically knocks out Kristian Prenga in round two
- Joshua put down twice in shocking first round in Jeddah
- Underwhelming Hamzah Sheeraz retains WBO super-middleweight title
- Bloodied Josh Kelly outpoints Caoimhin Agyarko to defend IBF belt
- Reito Tsutsumi blitzes Alvino Herrera in second round
- Jacob Bank shines again in win over Pawel August
- India's Nishant Dev stops Cesar Diaz in first round
Emotional Joshua reflects on return after tragic car crash
02:14 , George Flood
And here’s a tearful Joshua when quizzed about his strength to return tonight after that tragic December car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of his close friends and long-time team members Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
“It’s what champions do. We rise, we get knocked down and we stand up and we keep going, that’s life’s motto,” he said.
“It’s more than punch power, that was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina, that was the families. It hurts even talking about it. It’s been tough.”
He added: “It’s my brothers. I don’t want to talk about it.”
Anthony Joshua sends new Tyson Fury message: We're here now
02:09 , George Flood
Here’s more from Anthony Joshua talking about Tyson Fury in the ring after tonight’s dramatic and utterly chaotic comeback win over Kristian Prenga in Jeddah.
“Wait a minute, have we got Tyson Fury in the room? To more important matters, is he here or not?
“All jokes aside, there are two sides. One is the fighter, you have to have that vim, and the other is respect.
“I respect everything he has done and everything that he has achieved, but as a fighting person and someone who has been calling for this fight for a long time, we’re here now.
“I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat.”
Oleksandr Usyk reacts to chaotic Anthony Joshua win
Sunday 26 July 2026 00:06 , George Flood
Oleksandr Usyk went through a lot of emotions at ringside during one of the most chaotic five minutes of heavyweight boxing you are ever likely to see...
We were USYK too 🥵#JoshuaPrenga pic.twitter.com/yuPH67uRqp
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026
Sunday 26 July 2026 00:04 , George Flood
An emotional Joshua is understandably fighting back the tears in the ring as he is asked about his strength just to return tonight after the deaths of his long-time team members Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele in that car accident in Nigeria in December.
He understandably doesn’t want to talk too much about it as he pays tribute to his late friends.
Joshua deserves massive respect for the strength he has shown to recover from such a tragedy and resume his career.
Anthony Joshua sends message to Tyson Fury
Saturday 25 July 2026 23:54 , George Flood
It appears that Tyson Fury really has stayed away tonight.
Joshua excitedly asks during his post-fight interview with DAZN in the ring if Fury is here, but he obviously isn’t going to make any sort of dramatic late entrance.
Asked if he has a message for Fury, Joshua recites the famous Mike Tyson ‘I’m the best ever’ speech that followed his 38-second stoppage win over Lou Savarese in Glasgow in 2000.
Saturday 25 July 2026 23:49 , George Flood
I don’t quite know how to process that absolutely wild couple of rounds.
I have never seen Joshua as bad as he was in that first round. Ever.
He was absolutely all over the place and extremely fortunate to see the bell.
Prenga will be absolutely raging that he let him straight back into the contest at the start of the second.
He was so, so close to one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
A more positive start to that second and he would surely have sealed it and completely wrecked the Fury-Joshua plans.
Anthony Joshua recovers to knock out Kristian Prenga in second round
Saturday 25 July 2026 23:39 , George Flood
JOSHUA RECOVERS TO KNOCK PRENGA OUT IN THE SECOND ROUND!
TALK ABOUT DRAMA!
My word.
Down twice in one of the worst rounds of his career, he comes firing straight back to smash Prenga with a trademark right hand that sends him almost through the ropes.
Not a chance he was beating that count.
Joshua vs Prenga
Saturday 25 July 2026 23:36 , George Flood
Are we about to see one of the biggest upsets in boxing history?!
Prenga is letting Joshua come firing back early in the second round...
Joshua vs Prenga
Saturday 25 July 2026 23:33 , George Flood
I cannot believe what I am seeing here!
Joshua is absolutely all over the place, on totally shaky legs as the powerful Prenga continues to rain down heavy blows.
Joshua is hanging on here and seems to have some sort of problem with his leg.
He will do very well indeed to make the end of this round.
Every punch from Prenga seems to hurt him, his gloves touch the canvas again and he’s counted for the second time in the first round!
Incredible.
Joshua vs Prenga
Saturday 25 July 2026 23:31 , George Flood
Here we go!
Will this be as emphatic as everyone expects?
JOSHUA IS DOWN AFTER AN UPPERCUT IN THE FIRST 20 SECONDS!
I REPEAT, JOSHUA IS DOWN IN THE FIRST 20 SECONDS!
OH MY WORD! HE’S BACK UP, BUT AN ABSOLUTELY SHOCKING START IN JEDDAH!
Joshua vs Prenga
Saturday 25 July 2026 23:29 , George Flood
We’ve had the national anthems of Albania and Great Britain.
Michael Buffer will do the final introductions and his patented ‘let’s get ready to rumble’ call, then we will be under way at last.
Dare I say that Joshua - wearing military camouflage - looks a little nervous as he paces up and down in the corner?
Prenga has the flag of Albania on his gloves.
Joshua vs Prenga ring walks
Saturday 25 July 2026 23:23 , George Flood
A no-frills ring walk from Prenga, who is head down and straight to the middle.
Now here comes Joshua, after a rousing preview video and an eclectic mix of music.
The walk out to the ring at the Jeddah Superdome is short, so it doesn’t allow for the usual amount of build-up.
Still no sign of Fury...
Joshua vs Prenga ring walks
Saturday 25 July 2026 23:17 , George Flood
Despite that strong denial from Spencer Brown, the speculation on social media regarding a dramatic late WWE-style entrance for Tyson Fury at the Jeddah Superdome refuses to go away.
Perhaps he might show up after the fight for a face-off?
In any case, Michael Buffer is now on the microphone and main event ring walks are imminent.
Kristian Prenga will come first.
🚨 TYSON FURY MEDIA FRENZY IN JEDDAH 🇸🇦
— Boxing King Media (@boxingkingmedia) July 25, 2026
Tyson Fury’s security team have been spotted around the venue, sending fans and media into overdrive.
Everyone close to the event insists he isn’t attending tonight’s show… but the speculation refuses to die.
Is it simply advance…
Spencer Brown: Tyson Fury will NOT be at ringside for Joshua vs Prenga
Saturday 25 July 2026 23:13 , George Flood
Sheeraz’s manager Spencer Brown is shocked by that tied scorecard, insisting that he had the champion up by eight rounds - though he praises the performance of Zachenhuber, whom he describes as “fit as a butcher’s dog”.
He also talks up a potential future showdown between Sheeraz and the impressive Jacob Bank, who is ranked at No2 with the WBO and eased past Pawel August earlier tonight.
Most importantly, Brown, who also manages Tyson Fury, insists once again that the Gypsy King will NOT be in attendance for Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga in Jeddah.
How disappointing.
Hamzah Sheeraz reaction
Saturday 25 July 2026 23:09 , George Flood
Sheeraz says he won’t make any excuses, he knows that wasn’t his best performance but he says he will move onwards and upwards.
He plans to be in attendance for Canelo Alvarez’s WBC super-middleweight title bout against Christian Mbilli in Riyadh in October.
Sheeraz also insists there were no problems whatsoever with his right hand.
“I didn’t think it was that bad,” he says when asked about one judge scoring the fight as a draw.
And still! Hamzah Sheeraz retains WBO super-middleweight title
Saturday 25 July 2026 23:02 , George Flood
Wow - one judge scores it a draw at 114-114!
The others both go in favour of Sheeraz, 115-113 and 116-112.
He retains the WBO super-middleweight title.
But that was a bad night at the office for Sheeraz, and he will know it.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Simon Zachenhuber
Saturday 25 July 2026 23:00 , George Flood
A really, really disappointing performance from Sheeraz fizzles out in uncharacteristically low-key style.
He very, very rarely goes the distance.
Huge credit to Zachenhuber, who performed miles above everyone’s expectations tonight.
He can feel very proud indeed.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Simon Zachenhuber
Saturday 25 July 2026 22:53 , George Flood
Andy Lee rightly insists at the end of the 10th that Zachenhuber is just trying to survive in there.
He puts the onus on Sheeraz to force the tempo and put some combinations together - something he hasn’t really done all fight.
There has been no mention of anything to do with an injured right hand so far.
Is it just the tricky southpaw stance that has made Sheeraz look so ordinary here?
Slightly concerning if so.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Simon Zachenhuber
Saturday 25 July 2026 22:47 , George Flood
At last a bit more tempo and purpose from Sheeraz in the ninth - a “beautiful round” says Andy Lee.
He puts far more mustard on a number of those shots, looping in some stinging uppercuts with those long levers.
Let’s see if he can now sustain this higher pace amid a totally flat atmosphere during the co-main event in Jeddah.
Congratulations to anyone who had Zachenhuber lasting until the final three rounds.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Simon Zachenhuber
Saturday 25 July 2026 22:43 , George Flood
Andy Lee seems surprisingly effusive in his praise of Sheeraz in the corner before the start of the ninth.
“He’s soaking it all up,” seemed to be the complaint from the champion, who has yet to really hurt Zachenhuber.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Simon Zachenhuber
Saturday 25 July 2026 22:41 , George Flood
It’s becoming more and more apparent that Sheeraz is unable to properly unleash that presumably injured right hand here.
It’s causing him to be unusually passive and really rather flat by his usual high standards.
He’s still comfortably ahead in the fight, but he’s unable to dominate and finish off a game Zachenhuber as he would like.
The German is still light on his feet and taking more and more encouragement the longer this goes on, still throwing plenty though not landing much of any consequence.
Lethargic from Sheeraz is the word used on the broadcast - and I agree.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Simon Zachenhuber
Saturday 25 July 2026 22:35 , George Flood
The DAZN broadcast team are wondering if Sheeraz has hurt his right hand here as he isn’t loading up on his punches and seems to be throwing that uppercut rather half-cocked.
Carl Frampton believes he is struggling a little to figure out his footwork against a trickier-than-expected southpaw in Zachenhuber.
We have seen Sheeraz hurt his hand in a world title fight before of course, breaking the left one early on during his controversial split-draw against WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames in Riyadh in February 2025.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Simon Zachenhuber
Saturday 25 July 2026 22:31 , George Flood
Despite his bright early response, that felt like a very ominous fifth round for Zachenhuber.
His defences become ragged and his pace drops significantly as he continues to be walked down by Sheeraz and absorb more solid, energy-sapping shots.
Andy Lee will want to see much more combination work from Sheeraz.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Simon Zachenhuber
Saturday 25 July 2026 22:28 , George Flood
Sheeraz is in total control here, but it’s not quite as comfortable as everyone expected through the first third of the fight.
Most expected Zachenhuber to be gone within a couple of rounds, like Begic.
But he’s showing his mettle.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Simon Zachenhuber
Saturday 25 July 2026 22:23 , George Flood
Sheeraz continues to walk and wear down Zachenhuber, who definitely felt the champion’s power with a few heavy punches in that third round.
Zachenhuber is not overawed and still throwing plenty, but he won’t be able to absorb too many of these big Sheeraz hits that includes a shuddering uppercut.
That stiff jab is doing damage too.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Simon Zachenhuber
Saturday 25 July 2026 22:19 , George Flood
A much slower start from Sheeraz tonight after that two-round destruction of Alem Begic in Egypt.
But he’s piling ominous pressure on Zachenhuber all the time with that menacing tall frame, even if he’s yet to really throw many heavy shots.
Zachenhuber is teeing off plenty, but not really making a mark on the champion.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Simon Zachenhuber
Saturday 25 July 2026 22:16 , George Flood
Nothing much to report at all from that extremely quiet first round.
Sheeraz spends most of it just getting his bearings and trying to establish himself in centre ring, doing his homework on Zachenhuber.
The German is eager to let his hands go early on.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Simon Zachenhuber
Saturday 25 July 2026 22:13 , George Flood
Here we go then - will this be another comfortable night’s work for Hamzah Sheeraz?
He will hope it’s a damn sight less brutal than fellow Brit Josh Kelly’s own maiden world title defence earlier.
As pointed out by Barry Jones on the DAZN broadcast, this Kronk Gym style from Sheeraz is a big winner.
Hamzah Sheeraz defends WBO super-middleweight title against Simon Zachenhuber
Saturday 25 July 2026 22:07 , George Flood
The co-main event of the night is upon us in Jeddah!
Ilford favourite Hamzah Sheeraz puts his WBO super-middleweight belt on the line for the first time against Germany’s Simon Zachenhuber, who lost to Pawel August on the Tyson Fury-Arslanbek Makhmudov undercard in London in April.
Sheeraz is the heavy favourite here once again after dismantling Zachenhuber’s compatriot Alem Begic early on the Oleksandr Usyk-Rico Verhoeven undercard at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt back in May.
Josh Kelly eyes Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis showdown
Saturday 25 July 2026 21:54 , George Flood
Josh Kelly and promoter Eddie Hearn both mention a potential future showdown for ‘Pretty Boy’ against unbeaten two-weight world champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.
Boots - the former unified champion at welterweight - currently has the WBA and WBO super-welterweight belts after stopping Xander Zayas in New York last month.
Sebastian Fundora possesses the WBC gold, with Vergil Ortiz Jr the interim champion with the WBC.
And still! Josh Kelly outpoints Caoimhin Agyarko to defend title
Saturday 25 July 2026 21:39 , George Flood
Here we go... AND STILL!
114-113, 115-112, 115-112 - all in favour of Josh Kelly, who successfully defends his IBF super-welterweight world title for the first time.
That’s deserved - but who knows when we will see him in action again.
The depth of that gruesome cut on his nose is really awful and will likely keep him sidelined for some time.
That ‘Pretty Boy’ nickname isn’t quite apt tonight.
Brutal, brutal fight.
Josh Kelly vs Caoimhin Agyarko
Saturday 25 July 2026 21:35 , George Flood
A typically bruising final round to conclude a truly gruelling war.
Kelly is showboating with seconds to go with cuts and blood streamed all over his face.
The late push did not really materialise from Agyarko, who did not do enough to take advantage of his positive moments in this fight.
We await the judges’ scores, but Kelly has surely kept hold of his IBF super-welterweight title here.
Josh Kelly vs Caoimhin Agyarko
Saturday 25 July 2026 21:29 , George Flood
Kelly’s nose looks absolutely awful - that is a terrible gash that is only getting worse, to go along with several other nasty cuts including under both eyes.
His face remains a total mess and there is blood spraying all over his chest and white shorts.
But despite that and Agyarko’s earlier rally, I think Kelly has crucially done enough to shade the last couple of rounds which should see him home.
Unless Agyarko can finish with a bang in this final round...
Josh Kelly vs Caoimhin Agyarko
Saturday 25 July 2026 21:25 , George Flood
You’ve got to credit Agyarko here - he has totally taken Kelly out of his rhythm and comfort zone after a one-sided opening, dragging him into a scrappy, energy-sapping and bloody physical battle.
That nose of Kelly’s looks badly damaged and could be having quite an impact as we head into the championship rounds.
Despite that though, I’m still not convinced Agyarko is doing quite enough to take advantage.
It’s still not busy and sustained enough to be winning the rounds.
Josh Kelly vs Caoimhin Agyarko
Saturday 25 July 2026 21:20 , George Flood
After Kelly’s impressive start, this has turned into an attritional and messy but highly watchable contest.
A massive overhand right from the challenger lands just above the temple of Kelly.
There are more ugly and gruelling close-range tussles, featuring another clash of heads.
Did that cause the new cut on Kelly’s nose?
His face is a bit of a mess as he returns to his corner at the end of the ninth.
Josh Kelly vs Caoimhin Agyarko
Saturday 25 July 2026 21:17 , George Flood
Frustratingly for Agyarko, he can’t really initially build on that more positive sixth round.
However, the eighth is definitely his - he looks far more dangerous there and willing to let the solid shots fly.
Kelly is now struggling to control the distance and being hit hard up close, with cuts below both of his eyes.
He needs to re-establish some control quickly.
Josh Kelly vs Caoimhin Agyarko
Saturday 25 July 2026 21:09 , George Flood
Comfortably Agyarko’s best round of the fight so far in the sixth as he has more success in drawing Kelly into some furious close-range exchanges, where he can successfully rough him up and let his hands go.
Kelly - sporting that cut under his left eye - has been treading a fine line with the referee and now has a point taken off for punching to the back of the head, not for the first time.
Momentum shift?
“He shouldn’t be anywhere near you,” Kelly is told by trainer Adam Booth in the corner before the seventh.
Booth tells Kelly to go back to keeping Agyarko at range, which he was doing so well in the first half of this fight.
Josh Kelly vs Caoimhin Agyarko
Saturday 25 July 2026 21:06 , George Flood
A bruising fifth round including a nasty clash of heads and some use of the elbow from Kelly, who is cut below his left eye.
The needle we’ve seen between these two is continuing in the ring, with Agyarko doing his best to rile Kelly.
I’m still not sure you can give him a round, though.
Josh Kelly vs Caoimhin Agyarko
Saturday 25 July 2026 21:02 , George Flood
The strategy from Agyarko just isn’t paying off here at all so far in what is his first world title challenge.
He looks at his most dangerous when he is able to get inside and rough Kelly up, disrupting his rhythm.
But he is not doing it nearly often enough.
The far busier and more effective Kelly looks very comfortable at the moment, constantly outlanding Agyarko.
Josh Kelly vs Caoimhin Agyarko
Saturday 25 July 2026 20:51 , George Flood
An impressive second round from Kelly, who puts Agyarko under pressure and finishes with a real flourish.
He’s showcasing his pristine footwork and hand speed, fighting well at range and peppering his opponent with a flurry of shots.
Not much yet at all to shout about from Agyarko, who raises his hand at the end of the second but is surely down 2-0 to start this title challenge.
Josh Kelly vs Caoimhin Agyarko
Saturday 25 July 2026 20:48 , George Flood
Tentative stuff early on here, with both men starting in cautious fashion as they bid to work each other out.
No risks taken in a quiet opener that was probably shaded by the busier Kelly.
Josh Kelly vs Caoimhin Agyarko
Saturday 25 July 2026 20:42 , George Flood
Here we go!
There has been plenty of needle between this pair in the build-up in recent days.
This could the fight of the night...
Josh Kelly defends IBF super-welterweight title against Caoimhin Agyarko
Saturday 25 July 2026 20:34 , George Flood
Just two fights left now before Anthony Joshua returns against Kristian Prenga in Jeddah - no sign of Tyson Fury just yet.
We now move into our two world title fights involving maiden defences for reigning British champions.
Ilford’s Hamzah Sheeraz puts his WBO super-middleweight belt on the line a little bit later against Germany’s Simon Zachenhuber, having totally dominated Alem Begic on the Oleksandr Usyk-Rico Verhoeven undercard at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt back in May.
But first it’s over to Sunderland favourite Josh ‘Pretty Boy’ Kelly, who defends the IBF super-welterweight belt that he took so brilliantly from the formidable Bakhram Murtazaliev in Newcastle in January.
He is up against unbeaten 18-0 Irish challenger Caoimhin Agyarko in what could be a proper war.
Reito Tsutsumi delivers statement performance
Saturday 25 July 2026 20:21 , George Flood
That was just utterly ruthless from Reito Tsutsumi, who quickly and totally dismantled an experienced opponent with 20 fights under his belt in just his fifth professional outing.
A superb combination of incisive footwork, real speed and spiteful power, he could quickly blitz his way through this super-featherweight division.
He looks like potentially Japan’s next big boxing star to follow Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani.
Tsutsumi’s older brother Hayato is a talent too and also a former world youth champion.
Reito Tsutsumi blitzes Alvino Herrera in second-round stoppage
Saturday 25 July 2026 20:12 , George Flood
And that’s exactly what he does!
A dazed Herrera comes out from his corner still on unsteady legs following that first-round onslaught from the relentless and unforgiving Tsutsumi, who offers no respite whatsoever.
He jumps straight back on him, leaving a helpless Herrera quickly crumpled back against the ropes with a wincing left hand that lands right on the money.
The referee has understandably already seen enough.
Reito Tsutsumi vs Alvino Herrera
Saturday 25 July 2026 20:09 , George Flood
Wow, forget what I said about that step up!
An incredible first round from the ultra-talented Tsutsumi, who floors a stunned Herrera twice in a furious blur of sensational speed and a blaze of punishing, sharp shots.
Herrera is hanging on straight away, resorting to trying to wrestle his confident opponent to the floor to avoid being knocked down again.
Tsutsumi could well finish this early in the second...
Reito Tsutsumi vs Alvino Herrera
Saturday 25 July 2026 20:06 , George Flood
Like with Jacob Bank and Nishant Dev, there is a lot of excitement over the potential of Japanese southpaw Reito Tsutsumi, who has reeled off four successive wins since turning professional last year.
He has already fought on some big cards - Garcia vs Romero, Berlanga vs Sheeraz, Canelo vs Crawford and Inoue vs Picasso.
Three of his four wins to date have been by stoppage, but he may have a bit of a step up here against the unbeaten 18-0-2 Herrera.
Reito Tsutsumi vs Alvino Herrera
Saturday 25 July 2026 19:56 , George Flood
Just one fight left now in Jeddah before we get into the maiden world title defences from first Josh Kelly, and then Hamzah Sheeraz.
It’s the fifth professional outing of Japan’s talented former youth lightweight world champion Reito Tsutsumi, who battles Mexico’s Alvino Herrera next.
Jacob Bank shines again in dominant win over Pawel August
Saturday 25 July 2026 19:48 , George Flood
All three judges score the bout 80-72 in favour of Bank, who stays unbeaten and moves to 20-0.
August - who sportingly leads the applause for the Dane inside the ring - suffers his first professional defeat and drops to 18-1.
Fascinated to see what they line up next for Bank.
Jacob Bank vs Pawel August
Saturday 25 July 2026 19:45 , George Flood
No last-gasp stoppage but what a performance from Jacob Bank, who absolutely dominated those eight rounds against a previously unbeaten opponent in Pawel August.
His star continues to rise significantly after that brilliant display and late knockout of former IBF super-middleweight world champion William Scull in January.
83 jabs landed, 101 power shots. 184 total punches.
Fantastic. And in his first fight outside of his native Denmark, too.
A future world champion in the making?
Hamzah Sheeraz may need to look out. Bank is No2 with the WBO.
Jacob Bank vs Pawel August
Saturday 25 July 2026 19:40 , George Flood
Into the final round we go and I have Bank up seven rounds to zero in Jeddah, pitching a complete shutout.
He’s upped the tempo nicely in the second half of this fight and the gulf in class between the undefeated pair has only grown wider and wider.
He will be wondering if he can get August out of there in the final three minutes.
August certainly doesn’t lack courage and heart, but he’s looking very tired and hurt.
Jacob Bank vs Pawel August
Saturday 25 July 2026 19:33 , George Flood
The dominant Bank continues to move up through the gears wonderfully with five rounds now down in this scheduled eight-rounder at super-middleweight.
He is still so slick and sharp, with a stacked arsenal of shots - and there’s stinging power on most of them.
I love the way he launches himself so aggressively into some of these attacks in explosive fashion, while that uppercut is a dream that cannot miss.
August’s right eye is showing a lot of damage on an increasingly punishing night.
“How can you hope to stop him if you don’t let your hands go?” is the exasperated question posed in August’s corner before the start of the sixth.
Total and utter control from Bank.
Jacob Bank vs Pawel August
Saturday 25 July 2026 19:26 , George Flood
The 18-0 August is no slouch and has caught Bank plenty so far through four rounds despite being thoroughly second best so far.
Bank just needs to keep that defence tighter - he’s had his hands down by his sides a lot and has taken some unnecessary shots in an attempt to lure August onto him.
Having said that, he is landing by far the more eye-catching punches still.
Some lovely combinations and a very sharp uppercut that has found its mark several times.
Jacob Bank vs Pawel August
Saturday 25 July 2026 19:18 , George Flood
An excellent first couple of rounds from Bank, who looks a class above August so far.
He is so sharp and smooth, the movement, variety and hand speed is all really impressive.
Bank jabs so well to both head and body, he is dictating the pace of this fight totally.
He is trying to lure August onto him to let his hands go and the punishing shots fly in bunches from a range of angles.
August is already bruised below one of his eyes.
Jacob Bank vs Pawel August
Saturday 25 July 2026 19:07 , George Flood
August makes his way to the ring in a balaclava and is still wearing it during final introductions - is there a robbery on the way?
It would be quite a victory if the ‘Polish King’ out of Somerset was able to upset an ascending talent in Bank.
Someone’s 0 has got to go...
Saturday 25 July 2026 19:02 , George Flood
Quite a delay before our second fight of the main card, given that first-round stoppage by Nishant Dev against Cesar Diaz.
Oleksandr Usyk has been conducting an off-the-cuff and typically engaging/amusing lengthy interview on DAZN.
Jacob Bank vs Pawel August up next
Saturday 25 July 2026 19:00 , George Flood
Next up in Jeddah is unbeaten 19-0 Danish super-middleweight talent Jacob Bank, who meets 18-0 Pawel August, Polish-born but based in Taunton in Somerset for the last two decades.
This contest is being fought at a catchweight of 170lbs, with Bank looking to build further momentum after his stunning late knockout of former IBF world champion William Scull on home soil in January.
He also stopped Namibia’s Paulinus Ndjolonimu in Denmark in April.
August can feel hard done by that the man he outpointed on the Tyson Fury-Arslanbek Makhmudov undercard at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April - Germany’s Simon Zachenbuber - gets a world title shot later tonight against WBO super-middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz.
Eddie Hearn: Nishant Dev can 'change boxing forever'
Saturday 25 July 2026 18:43 , George Flood
Massive praise from promoter Eddie Hearn for Matchroom talent Nishant Dev, whom he says has the potential to change boxing forever by becoming a huge star in India.
He says Dev can go on to be a world champion and believes a title fight in India would be like nothing we’ve ever seen before in the sport.
No pressure then...
Nishant Dev stops Cesar Diaz in first round
Saturday 25 July 2026 18:37 , George Flood
Well, that certainly didn’t take long!
A huge statement on such a big platform for Nishant Dev, who stops Cesar Diaz in the first round to move to 7-0 with a fifth professional knockout.
A hopelessly overmatched Diaz was floored three times in quick succession before the fight was swiftly waved off.
Ruthless from a potential future star and an explosive start to our main card in Jeddah.
Nishant Dev vs Cesar Diaz
Saturday 25 July 2026 18:29 , George Flood
The main card action is now underway in Jeddah.
Our six-fight bill kicks off with unbeaten California-based Indian star Nishant Dev.
The former amateur World Championship bronze medallist looks to move to 7-0 in the professional ranks against Peru’s Cesar Diaz.
Anthony Joshua pays touching tribute to late friends in ring
Saturday 25 July 2026 18:22 , George Flood
Tonight’s ring canvas at the Jeddah Superdome features a touching tribute to Anthony Joshua’s close friends and long-time team members Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, who both died in the tragic car accident in Nigeria in December in which Joshua sustained minor injuries.
Ghami was Joshua’s rehabilitation coach, while Ayodele was his personal trainer.
Joshua had been friends with both men since childhood and he has spoken again this week in the build-up to his first fight since that accident against Kristian Prenga about the pain of their loss and not being ready for it to sink in.
"It's tough, every time I think about it, it hurts,” he told BBC Sport..
"Even talking about it now... pictures… it hurts but I keep my mind occupied you know.
"If I stop, you let it sink in and I'm not ready for it to sink in yet."
The names of Ghami and Ayodele are printed in front of Joshua’s corner on tonight’s ring canvas, along with the words “My Brother’s Keeper”.
Anthony Joshua's tribute to his fallen friends Latz and Sina in the ring at the Jeddah Superdome. ✅
— World Boxing News (@WorldBoxingNews) July 25, 2026
AJ fights for the first time since both died in a Nigerian car crash last December. 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/QAXH5rb4gY
Fury vs Joshua super-fight now 'wanted in USA'
Saturday 25 July 2026 18:06 , George Flood
Turki Alalshikh apparently now wanting a likely November Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua showdown to take place in the United States presents an obvious couple of problems.
Not only would it be a huge disappointment to see arguably the biggest and most lucrative - if long, long overdue - super-fight in British boxing history not happen in the UK, but Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has repeatedly said that the deal was previously signed for it to be held here.
He has said more than once that a change of destination would require the whole fight contract to be negotiated again.
Alalshikh had said previously that he wanted it to be in the UK, but potentially overnight with 2am ring walks for a prime-time US television market.
That would require special permission to extend the curfew of Wembley Stadium, with Cardiff’s Principality Stadium - where Joshua has fought twice before - also previously rumoured to be in the hosting mix.
You’d have to imagine that Madison Square Garden would be the ideal venue Stateside, unless they were to rent out a huge outdoor venue like the AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
We’ve also seen some stunning left-field locations for big fights in recent times, such as the Pyramids of Giza for Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven and Times Square in New York for Rolly Romero vs Ryan Garcia.
"We've been told in the last 24 hours that [a fight in America] is what they want,” Matchroom Boxing chief Hearn told DAZN on Friday.
“That doesn't tally up with the contract that we signed. Until we're happy, we expect every point of that contract to be followed.
“I feel like this fight should be taking place in the UK.
"Anthony Joshua insisted that the contract stated that the fight must be in the UK.
"If they want to change the contract, then we have to renegotiate the contract.
“Which, by the way, is not a problem. But it's a conversation we have to have."
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Oleksandr Khyzhniak stops Lenny Patrach in round two
Saturday 25 July 2026 17:48 , George Flood
Oleksandr Usyk will have been very pleased indeed with that.
Oleksandr Khyzhniak dominates and stops Lenny Patrach in two rounds to move to 2-0 as a professional.
He sent the Frenchman down initially with a crushing left hook before then raining down a barrage of spiteful blows on the ropes to force the referee to step in.
Oleksandr Usyk in the house
Saturday 25 July 2026 17:41 , George Flood
While we wait for Tyson Fury to show up, one man who has already arrived at the Jeddah Superdome is Oleksandr Usyk, who has beaten both Fury and Anthony Joshua twice in his illustrious career.
Usyk and Joshua have struck up a surprise close friendship in recent months, with AJ spending a lot of time training in his camp and in Usyk’s native Ukraine under coach Iegor Golub.
Usyk will be at ringside to support Joshua and no doubt relishes running into old rival Fury, though is primarily in attendance supporting Oleksandr Khyzhniak, Ukraine’s 2024 Olympic middleweight gold medallist whom he mentors.
Khyzhniak - who also won silver at the delayed 2020 Games - is in the ring now to close the opening portion of today’s undercard, battling France’s Lenny Patrach in an eight-rounder.
He knocked out Wilmer Baron on his professional debut in Lisnyky back in March, where Joshua appeared alongside Usyk to watch a card headlined by Daniel Lapin.
Usyk of course recently vacated his WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight world titles in order to plot one “last dance” following his less-than-convincing late stoppage win over kickboxing great Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt in May.
Tyson Fury 'in Jeddah' for Joshua vs Prenga fight
Saturday 25 July 2026 17:29 , George Flood
It has been suggested early on the DAZN broadcast that Tyson Fury IS in Jeddah for Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga after all.
"I’ve been away the last six or seven months. I’m definitely not going to Jeddah,” Fury said initially after his win over Mariusz Wach in Thailand on Friday.
“I’m going home to my wife and kids who have been supporting me from a distance.
“I’ve been away in training camp for 10 weeks. I was away before that for four months, so I’m going to go home and have a rest."
However, he later told another outlet: “I’m going, yeah. See you there ringside.”
Eddie Hearn said on Friday that organiser Turki Alalshikh now wants the Fury vs Joshua super-fight - expected to take place in November - to be held in the USA, rather than the UK.
Ziyad Almaayouf back to winning ways
Saturday 25 July 2026 17:16 , George Flood
Another early result in the books at the Jeddah Superdome.
Another Saudi home fighter - Ziyad ‘Zizo’ Almaayouf, who is based in Los Angeles - has just scored his eighth professional victory against Tanzanian southpaw Frank Lucian Mango.
Almaayouf knocked Mango down twice, but was also floored himself in the fifth round.
He ultimately recovered to bounce back from his first professional loss to Spain’s Kevin Castillo on the Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson undercard at Madison Square Garden in January.
Almaayouf’s record now stands at 7-1-1, having also drawn with Carlos Ramirez in November 2024.
He continues to impress on the microphone with a very engaging post-fight interview.
Early undercard results
Saturday 25 July 2026 17:06 , George Flood
The early portion of today’s extensive undercard is already well under way in Jeddah.
There have been four-round points wins so far for Egyptian duo Mahmoud Mobark and Omar Hikal, over Bryan Zapata and Brian Castellano respectively.
Saudi pair Sultan Al-Mohamed and Mohammed Alakel stopped Efren Besalduch and Lydon Chircop.
There was also a mightily impressive first-round stoppage from talented Liverpool flyweight prospect Mikie Tallon, who floored Venezuela’s Orlando Pino with a wincing body shot to move to 15-0.
Will Tyson Fury be at ringside for Joshua vs Prenga?
Saturday 25 July 2026 16:52 , George Flood
The big question everyone is asking this afternoon is will Tyson Fury be in attendance at the Jeddah Superdome tonight?
He hadn’t really given a definitive answer before Friday’s win over Mariusz Wach in Pattaya, after which he said that he would not be going as he instead insisted that he needed to return home to his family.
However, the ‘Gypsy King’ - once again engaging in a spot of mind games and media fun - then appeared to quickly perform a U-turn and said he would be at ringside for Joshua vs Prenga, raising the prospect of a long-awaited in-ring face-off between the British heavyweight arch-rivals.
However, even if Fury does end up going, he may well respond in kind to Joshua’s stark refusal to get up from ringside at his invitation following the former’s comeback win over Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April.
There were believed to have been flights that would get Fury from Thailand to Jeddah this afternoon, while others - including Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn - have said that Saudi entertainment giants Sela offered to put on a private jet for him.
We will wait and see if he shows up, but it would be a shock if he misses it.
Joshua vs Prenga prediction
Saturday 25 July 2026 16:39 , George Flood
Anthony Joshua was never in any danger of suffering a monumental upset during his total mismatch with Jake Paul six months ago.
In fact, he barely even broke a sweat before eventually knocking out the YouTuber-turned-boxer with a devastating right hand, leaving him needing jaw surgery.
However, Joshua did look rusty, particularly in the early rounds, and a repeat could be on the cards here, especially when factoring in the length of time it has been since his last proper competitive fight.
That said, he should make very light work of the lesser-known Prenga and send an equally emphatic response to Tyson Fury, who had no issues in easily overcoming a 46-year-old Mariusz Wach 24 hours prior in Thailand.
While Kristian Prenga has lost only once previously, this is a major step up in class and we expect him to succumb to Joshua’s sheer power in a likely early stoppage.
Joshua to win by early knockout.
Joshua vs Prenga undercard
Saturday 25 July 2026 16:36 , George Flood
There are two reigning British world champions defending their titles for the first time on tonight’s Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga undercard in Jeddah.
The first is Sunderland’s Josh ‘Pretty Boy’ Kelly, who puts the IBF super-welterweight belt he won against Bakhram Murtazaliev in Newcastle in January on the line against Irish challenger Caoimhin Agyarko.
Then Hamzah Sheeraz looks to retain his WBO super-middleweight gold that he easily picked up with a second-round stoppage of Alem Begic on the Oleksandr Usyk-Rico Verhoeven undercard at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt in May.
He is up against Germany’s Simon Zachenhuber.
Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga
Hamzah Sheeraz (c) vs Simon Zachenhuber - for the WBO super-middleweight title
Josh Kelly (c) vs Caoimhin Agyarko - for the IBF super-welterweight title
Reito Tsutsumi vs Alvino Herrera
Jacob Bank vs Pawel August
Nishant Dev vs Cesar Diaz
How to watch Joshua vs Prenga
Saturday 25 July 2026 16:30 , George Flood
TV channel and live stream: Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga - an event that has been named ‘The Comeback’ - is being broadcast live and exclusively around the world tonight on DAZN pay-per-view.
It costs £19.99 to purchase.
Joshua vs Prenga live
Saturday 25 July 2026 16:25 , George Flood
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga.
‘The Comeback’ is on for ‘AJ’ in Saudi Arabia tonight as he looks to take the final step towards that mammoth super-fight with Tyson Fury later in 2026, 24 hours after his arch-rival brushed aside veteran Mariusz Wach in seven rounds in a somewhat mysterious and unusual charity contest in Thailand that was not televised.
Fury could well be in attendance tonight at the Jeddah Superdome, leading to the possibility of the British heavyweight foes finally facing off inside the ring - though Fury may well follow Joshua’s refusal to play ball after the former’s comeback win over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April.
First, overwhelming favourite Joshua must take care of business against little-known Albanian opponent Prenga, who has only lost once in 21 previous professional outings and is riding a nine-year, 16-fight winning streak - all by stoppage - but has never come remotely close to facing a fighter of Joshua’s calibre.
It is sure to be a poignant and emotional night for the former two-time world heavyweight champion, who is fighting for the first time since suffering minor injuries as a passenger in a serious car accident in Nigeria in December that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and long-time team members in Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
That tragic crash came just 10 days after Joshua had taken six rounds to knock out - and break the jaw of - YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in their Miami mismatch, while it is almost two years now since his last proper competitive contest - a brutal fifth-round stoppage defeat by another British rival in Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
What version of Joshua will we get here? Ring walks are expected at around 11pm BST, with the main undercard getting under way from 6pm. The early fights are already off and running.
Keep it right here for live updates and results across the night.
