Anthony Joshua fought back tears after delivering a stunning second-round knockout victory against Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, just months after surviving a fatal car crash that killed his close friends Latif 'Latz' Ayodele and recovery therapist Sina Ghami.
Emotional Triumph After Tragic Loss
The 36-year-old British boxer endured a nightmare start, being knocked down twice in the opening round. However, he rallied in spectacular fashion, stopping the tough Albanian with a brutal right hand in the second round. The victory not only saved his career but also secured a long-awaited £100 million super-fight against longtime rival Tyson Fury.
Speaking in the ring, an emotional Joshua said: 'I am a serious fighter and I know what to do around the ring. He gave me a good test but we got up and that’s what champions do. That was more than power – that was Sina and Latz and family. I can’t even talk about it. It’s been tough…' He paused to compose himself before adding: 'They were my brothers – I don’t want to talk about it. I learned I cannot be stopped or denied. I am coming, trust me.'
Comeback Knockout Steals the Show
According to Legit.ng, the comeback carried extra weight given Joshua’s harrowing ordeal. He was travelling with his friends on a Nigerian motorway when their vehicle smashed into a truck. The right-hand side of the car, where Sina and Latif were seated, was destroyed, while Joshua miraculously escaped with only damaged ribs.
In Jeddah, he honoured their memory by climbing off the canvas and producing a career-saving knockout. The crowd erupted as Joshua stood on the ropes, urging fans to prepare for the Fury showdown, now expected to take place at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Fury Showdown in New York
Joshua's victory sets up a massive clash against Tyson Fury, with Madison Square Garden emerging as the front-runner to host the fight. The bout is anticipated to be one of the biggest in boxing history, with a reported purse of £100 million for Joshua.
Joshua’s emotional triumph was more than just a fight; it was a tribute to the brothers he lost and a statement that his journey continues.
Prize Money Against Jake Paul
Earlier, Legit.ng reported how much Joshua earned after knocking out YouTuber Jake Paul in a Netflix exhibition fight in December 2025. The British-Nigerian boxer earned the biggest paycheck of his career, taking home around $92 million, most of which went to taxes.
