Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua’s path is already mapped out, but the first step comes with danger when he faces Kristian Prenga on July 25.
According to Hearn, the plan is clear: Joshua must beat Prenga, move on to Tyson Fury later this year, and then target another world heavyweight title shot. “The plan for AJ is beat Prenga, beat Tyson Fury, fight for the world heavyweight title,” Hearn said.
Prenga is not being treated as an elite heavyweight, but Hearn warned that his power makes him a risky opponent. “Decent fighter. Not an elite world heavyweight, but fringe world level. Dangerous. Can whack,” he said.
Joshua enters with more pressure than Prenga, especially with the Fury fight already being discussed for November. Any poor performance could raise fresh questions, while Prenga has little to lose and a career-changing opportunity in front of him.
Hearn expects Joshua to get the job done inside six rounds, but admitted he will only relax once it is over. “I think he gets sparked out in an exciting fight in the first six rounds,” Hearn said. “And when he does, I’ll be the most relieved man going because you got the Tyson Fury fight.”
Fury vs. Joshua is expected to take place in the UK if both men win their next fights, with Wembley Stadium and Cardiff among the possible venues. Hearn says the deal is effectively done, but added the only thing left is simple: “We’ve just got to win.”
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