Professional Fights
Anthony Joshua v Kristian Prenga: Predictions and Prize Money
Anthony Joshua returns to the ring in Jeddah this weekend to take on Kristian Prenga in his first fight since a jaw-breaking performance against Jake Paul. William Hill News are here to provide their predictions and a breakdown of the prize money on offer.
Based on the markets, this is a heavy mismatch. With Joshua the hot 1/33 favourite and Prenga out at 10/1, we’ll look to the Method Of Result market to find some value in what we expect to be a customary win for the former heavyweight champion.
Betting view and prediction
At 1/33, backing Joshua in the outright market lacks value, so the money will likely drift towards the method of result and round markets instead. Prenga has won by KO in 20 of his 21 fights, with three first-round wins in his last three, which might inject a touch of jeopardy in the opening exchanges. However, Joshua’s class, experience, and being the former heavyweight champion should come to show.
Our Prediction: Anthony to win by KO, TKO, or DQ in Round 3 or 4 – 21/10. We expect Joshua to work through the first two rounds, assessing Prenga’s power before turning up the heat to force an early finish.
Event context and prize money
Joshua v Prenga takes place on Saturday 25 July at the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia, streamed live on DAZN pay-per-view, and serves as Joshua’s first fight since stopping Jake Paul last December. It also arrives as his first outing since the road accident in Nigeria that tragically claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
No official purse has been confirmed, though widely circulated estimates put Joshua’s fee for this tune-up at around £5 million. A relatively modest number by Joshua’s standards, but comfortably the biggest payday of Prenga’s career.
However, the real prize sits beyond Saturday night. A win keeps Joshua’s hopes of the agreed showdown with Tyson Fury alive, which is expected in November and reportedly worth a career-high sum to the winner.
Is it a case of if, not how for Joshua?
Joshua brings vastly superior pedigree, world-title experience and a significant edge in rounds fought, having boxed 173 professional rounds to Prenga’s 53. Prenga, by contrast, has built his unbeaten run largely against limited American opposition, with his best win coming against journeyman Joey Dawejko.
The concern for Joshua is power rather than skill, Prenga has a 100% knockout ratio, and Joshua’s recent history includes being dropped and stopped by Daniel Dubois. Even so, the class gap is expected to show, with most pundits expecting Joshua to find his range and close the show inside the distance.
Is there any case for Prenga or the draw?
At 10/1 Prenga and 25/1 the draw, there’s a decent price for those fancying an upset. Prenga’s route to victory is simple, land the punch he’s landed on 20 previous opponents before Joshua can find his rhythm.
A draw looks the least likely outcome of the three, probably requiring an accidental clash of heads or a cut serious enough to force an early stoppage without a clear winner.
Given the stakes and the profile of the opponent, there’s little in the matchup to suggest backing Prenga or the draw as anything more than a speculative punt, but for those wanting a slice of the drama, the odds are certainly generous.
*Prices accurate at the time of writing – odds subject to change*
