Prenga is perceived as a quintessential tune-up tilt for Joshua after the former two-time heavyweight champion survived a car crash that killed two of his friends in December, days after blasting Jake Paul.

Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) is expected to similarly plaster Prenga (21-1, 20 KOs) like he did Paul to set up the long-desired pitting against fellow Brit and former champ Tyson Fury sometime in the fourth quarter this year.

But not so fast, says Prenga’s manager, Keith Sullivan.

“If Team Joshua thinks this is an easy night for AJ, they’ve made a serious mistake,” Sullivan said Tuesday. “They just walked into a very dangerous situation. Underestimate Prenga at your own risk.

“I understand why they chose Prenga, but I don’t think they fully understand who they chose, which is going to become very clear on fight night. Team Prenga and I have tremendous respect for AJ and what he has accomplished … Kristian has not been as fortunate to have those privileged experiences. However, what he does have is heart, determination, strong self-confidence and power.

“This is clearly a lose-lose situation for AJ. If he wins, he is criticized for his opponent selection; if he loses, he is beaten into retirement. I would hate to be in AJ’s shoes or mindset for the next 13 weeks. Joshua is a great fighter, but KP isn’t coming to participate – he’s coming to shock the world.”

Prenga is a 35-year-old Albanian based in New Jersey who’s built his record by facing unheralded opposition throughout his career. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound Prenga turned pro in 2016, and his best win came in 2024 by stopping gatekeeper Joey Dawejko in five rounds.

Prenga’s first 11 fights took place overseas and in Canada before transitioning to fights in the United States. The only loss of Prenga’s career came in 2017 in an eight-round decision against a fighter with a 1-2 record. Prenga has stopped every fighter he’s faced outside of the blemish.

"I know they have big plans ahead after this fight. I know they are overlooking me,” Prenga said in a statement during Monday’s fight announcement. “I'm happy about that. I will derail their plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia."