The Albanian-born New Jersey resident was offered a fight with former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on July 25, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

"I was stunned when he called and said he had a fight opportunity for me with Joshua," Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs) told The Ring.

"I was getting ready to go to the gym for a 6:30 training session. I told him what I've always told him, 'I will fight anyone but there is no point in taking high-risk fights if there is no reward, either in the purse or the opportunity that the fight creates.'

"He assured me he wouldn't do anything reckless like that. He was still in the process of negotiating the purse, so the specifics weren't worked out. However, after a few minutes of discussing it, I said to him this is the opportunity I have been waiting for and God has blessed me with putting this in my life, so let's do it."

The 35-year-old wasn't distracted, leaving things there with Sullivan before heading for his session as usual.

"Without training I am nothing as a fighter," he explained. "Me, him and [friend and translator] Sammy [Lushaj] talked late that night, all agreeing this was a good opportunity, so Keith would continue to negotiate the right package for the fight.

"To be honest, my heart was set on it regardless of what the negotiations resulted in. After a few more days of negotiating, the terms were agreed and signed."

Prenga appreciates the size of the task in front of him - he's a 19/1 (+1900) underdog - but maintains he's ready to shock the world.

"I've seen him fight and was open to fighting any big names in the heavyweight division to make me a world title contender," he said. "It's a great opportunity for me.

"My power punching, size and athleticism [are what make me dangerous.] I'm heavy-handed and can hurt any opponent. I fear no man, and that goes a long way in the ring. After I knock out Joshua, I'll be ranked and better known in boxing."

This fight is widely seen as a warm-up for Joshua before facing Tyson Fury, who fights the night prior against faded former world title challenger Mariusz Wach in Pattaya, Thailand.

After a decade-long stretch, the pair are expected to finally do battle in an all-British mega fight later this year.

The Albanian isn't bothered and understands the situation at hand.

"[I'm] not insulted, I understand, but he made a big mistake picking me," he said. "After I stop Joshua, maybe I can replace him as the Fury opponent.

"This is going to change my life when I shock the world."

Sullivan was able to work his magic after just one fight together in February, securing the chance of a lifetime for Prenga.

"I pitched my guy, he has the right record with the 20 knockouts, so it made sense for us both to work on a deal, getting it done quietly until they were ready to announce it." he explained.

"It took zero convincing of Kristian to take the fight. He is fully confident he can win and understands who, and what, he's up against. His mindset and self-belief are remarkably impressive and inspiring."

Olympic champion Joshua claimed gold at London 2012 before working his way up to becoming one of the sport's biggest stars.

The 36-year-old, a two-time former unified world champion, has insisted he has big dreams for what is the final chapter of an illustrious career.