KRISTIAN Prenga has knocked out every one of his 20 victims – and next up the Albanian giant is taking aim at Anthony Joshua – and the pair will clash TONIGHT.
The two heavyweights go toe-to-toe in Saudi Arabia TONIGHT. Here’s everything you need to know about the man dubbed “KP”.
Aside from one loss, Kristian Prenga has won all his fights via knockout Credit: Getty
He was a pro kickboxer before switching to boxing Credit: Getty
His next opponent is Anthony Joshua Credit: Getty
Who is Kristian Prenga?
Kristian Prenga is big-punching former kickboxer with a perfect 100 per cent knockout ratio.
Nicknamed “KP”, he was born on January 24, 1991, in Orosh, in the mountainous Mirdite region of northern Albania.
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The 6ft 5in, 18st 8lb heavyweight grew up in a hard-working family.
In 2022, he told Atlantiku: “I grew up in a quiet place, surrounded by my close family and other relatives.
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“At that time, the economic conditions were not favorable to have the toys, food or clothes.
“I remember playing with my cousins with every object that came in front of us.
“My childhood was difficult because, like every northern family, mine was very hard working and at a young age they helped me with the work.
“My father taught me to drive a car when I was eight years old and I went with him to the mountains to load wood and sell it.
“This was one of the jobs I practiced until I was around 17-18 years old.”
KP didn’t lace up the gloves until he was 20, originally taking up kickboxing in Albania and Germany.
He went on to become a two-time European kickboxing champion before swapping codes for boxing five years later in 2016.
Prenga has no amateur boxing experience – something that makes his knockout record even more remarkable.
The big-hitter is now based in Edgewater, New Jersey, where he trains under coach Muhammad Abdul Salaam in nearby Lyndhurst.
His pro record stands at 20 wins, one loss and no draws, with 20 knockouts – meaning every single one of his victories has come inside the distance.
Prenga’s sole defeat came nine years ago in just his fifth pro fight, when he lost on points to Dutch fighter Giovanni Auriemma in Albania.
He has since rattled off a 16-fight winning streak.
When will he be fighting Anthony Joshua?
Anthony Joshua vs Prenga takes place on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
The fight will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the Jeddah Superdome.
The fight is being billed as “The Comeback” and will be streamed live and exclusively on DAZN.
It’s AJ’s first outing since breaking Jake Paul’s jaw in December 2025, and could lead to the biggest payday in his glittering career.
If he comes out on top as expected, the long-awaited battle of Britain against Tyson Fury could finally happen, with Ring Magazine reporting it’s a ‘done deal’.
If AJ comes out on top against KP, the Tyson Fury fight could finally happen Credit: Getty
For Prenga, it is by far the biggest fight of his career, and the Albanian wasted no time talking up his chances.
He said: “Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent.
“This is the kind of fight that changes everything in my life and his.
“I will derail their plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia.”
“I know they have big plans after this fight. I know they are overlooking me. I’m happy about that.
“I will derail their plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia.”
While AJ said: “It is no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back into the ring and today is the next step on that journey.
“I’m delighted to have agreed a multi-fight deal starting with July 25th in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off.
“As I said, the landlord will collect his rent. That is certain.”
KP was romantically linked with Rike Roci Credit: AFP
Rike Roci dating rumours
Prenga’s love life has also drawn attention.
He was previously linked to Big Brother Albania star, model and Euro 2016’s ‘sexiest fan’ Rike Roci.
In 2020, she wished the boxer happy birthday on Instagram and described him as the kindest man she had ever met, setting tongues wagging.
The two reportedly met in Milan – where Rike is based – and were understood to be in a serious relationship.
However, the romance between the two has never been confirmed.
By 2024, Rike was being referred to in Albanian press as Prenga’s ex-girlfriend.
