Lou DiBella has strongly criticized the upcoming bout between Anthony Joshua and Kristian Prenga, branding it a mismatch ahead of their July 25 clash in Riyadh.
The fight, which headlines ‘The Comeback’ card, has already drawn attention due to its positioning as a return bout for Joshua, but DiBella believes the level of opposition raises serious questions.
Joshua’s return is widely seen as a preparatory step ahead of the biggest showdown in British boxing history against Tyson Fury, as Eddie Hearn and Turki Alalshikh confirmed that the fight has been signed and is a done deal. However, no official date or venue has been announced.
As a result, the Prenga fight has been framed by many as a tune-up, designed to ease Joshua back into competition.
Speaking to combat sports journalist Ariel Helwanin, DiBella dismissed Prenga as a credible opponent for a former unified heavyweight champion.
“[Anthony Joshua] certainly shouldn’t be in the ring with a doorman, and that’s what Kristian Prenga is. I know him very well. Does he belong near AJ? He doesn’t belong in the same freaking gym, doesn’t belong in the same state or country, doesn’t belong in a sparring session.”
"[Anthony Joshua] certainly shouldn't be in the ring with a doorman, and that's what Kristian Prenga is. I know him very well.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 28, 2026
Does he belong near AJ? He doesn't belong in the same freaking gym, doesn't belong in the same state or country, doesn't belong in a sparring session.… pic.twitter.com/RsCELSPj6m
DiBella also questioned how Prenga secured such a high-profile opportunity, noting the significant financial jump involved. He further referenced Prenga’s past results, implying they do not justify a fight of this magnitude.
“I’d be surprised if [Prenga] has ever made more than $10,000. And now he’s gonna go to a million bucks and not because he earned it in any way. Look who he lost to, man.”
Joshua hasn’t fought since his knockout victory over Jake Paul past December. Just a few days after the victory, the Olympic gold medalist was involved in a fatal car accident that claimed the lives of his two friends. At the same time, the former two-time unified heavyweight champion sustained a minor injury.
While comeback bouts are common, critics argue that the level of opposition still matters, especially for fighters at Joshua’s level.
Prenga vows to shock the world against Joshua
Meanwhile, Prenga seems confident ahead of the bout as he vows to play spoiler and pull an upset.
“Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent,” Prenga said.
He emphasised that he is happy that Joshua is overlooking him and targeting an upset.
“I know they have big plans ahead 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.”
The expectation from this fight is that Joshua makes quick work of Prenga and comes out clean, with no damage that could delay the confirmed showdown later this year against the ‘Gypsy King’.
