Nigerian-British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has dedicated his dramatic comeback victory over Albanian fighter Kristian Prenga to his late friends and trainers, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, following an emotional second-round knockout win.
The fight was Joshua’s first appearance in the ring since the tragic car accident in Nigeria in December that claimed the lives of his strength and conditioning coach, Ghami, and personal trainer, Ayodele.
Joshua paid tribute to the duo by walking into the ring wearing camouflage attire emblazoned with their names.
Speaking after the victory, the former two-time heavyweight world champion said the win was inspired by the memory of his late coaches.
“Champions rise even after they fall. We get knocked down, stand back up, and keep moving. That’s what life is about,” Joshua said.
“It was more than just punching power. That was the spirit of Latz, Sina, and their families. It still hurts to talk about them. It’s been a difficult journey.”
Despite entering the contest as the overwhelming favourite, Joshua endured a difficult start, suffering two knockdowns in the opening round as Prenga briefly threatened an upset.
The British-Nigerian boxer, however, regained control of the fight, producing a dominant response before stopping the Albanian in the second round to secure victory and strengthen expectations of a blockbuster showdown with fellow Briton Tyson Fury.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, praised the former champion’s courage, saying his performance was even more remarkable considering the emotional trauma he has endured over the past seven months.
“No one can truly understand what Anthony has gone through. For him to even step into the ring was incredible,” Hearn said.
He added that Joshua remained focused throughout training despite grieving the loss of two key members of his team and showed tremendous determination by recovering from two early knockdowns.
Hearn also revealed that contracts have been signed for the long-awaited heavyweight clash between Joshua and Tyson Fury, although the date and venue have yet to be announced.
Fury, who defeated 46-year-old Mariusz Wach in Thailand on Friday, was absent from Joshua’s fight, having returned to the Isle of Man after his own bout.
Looking ahead to the highly anticipated all-British contest, Joshua said he has great respect for Fury’s accomplishments but is eager to finally settle their rivalry in the ring.
“I respect everything he has achieved, but this is the fight everyone has wanted to see, and now we’re here,” Joshua said.
“I hope the fans enjoy it. I’ve learned that I can’t be stopped, I won’t be denied, and we’re coming.”
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