Veteran boxing promoter Barry Hearn has backed Anthony Joshua to deliver a dominant performance against unbeaten heavyweight Kristian Prenga when they meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.

The bout marks Joshua’s first appearance of 2026 and his first fight since the tragic road accident in December that claimed the lives of two of his close friends. It also serves as the final hurdle before his highly anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury, which has already been scheduled for November.

Although Prenga enters the contest with an impressive record of 20 wins, all by knockout, Joshua remains the overwhelming favourite to secure victory and continue preparations for the blockbuster British heavyweight clash later this year.

Speaking to ESPN, Hearn said he expects Joshua to produce a devastating performance, insisting Prenga is in for a difficult night.

“Saturday night, I think it will be a very, very painful night for Mr. Prenga. Good luck to him. I hope he gets well paid,” Hearn said.

Hearn believes the personal tragedy Joshua endured has strengthened his determination and transformed his work ethic. According to him, training alongside Oleksandr Usyk’s team has exposed Joshua to a completely new level of preparation.

He explained that Joshua realised there was another standard of training after joining Usyk’s camp, adding that the former world champion has responded by pushing himself harder than ever before.

The fight against Prenga is widely viewed as Joshua’s final tune-up before his long-awaited meeting with Fury. Meanwhile, Fury is also set to return to action this week against Mariusz Wach in Thailand.

Although the venue for the Joshua-Fury showdown has yet to be officially confirmed, Hearn insists the contest should take place in the United Kingdom. However, he acknowledged that Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh could ultimately determine where the fight is staged because of Saudi Arabia’s significant investment in world boxing.

“Our contract specifies it’s in the UK,” Hearn said.

“But the money involved gives Turki Alalshikh considerable influence, and he may have different plans. We’re doing everything we can to ensure it happens in the UK because it’s a fight I’ve wanted to see for a long time.

“A victory over Prenga would keep Joshua on course for what is expected to be one of the biggest heavyweight boxing events in recent history when he finally steps into the ring with Tyson Fury later this year.