Rick Reeno says Anthony Joshua is facing an unknown heavyweight in Kristian Prenga

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Anthony Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) has built his career against established heavyweight contenders, but Rick Reeno believes Saturday’s biggest challenge is solving a fighter few have fully rated. Prenga’s (20-1, 20 KOs) striking power and limited exposure, he says, make the Jeddah main event unusually difficult to predict.

Prenga has stopped all 20 strikers he has beaten, but he came without the best heavyweights. Reeno believes that his lack of familiarity makes him a real threat rather than a simple enemy.

“I’m interested in the upcoming fight in two days because Prenga is something unknown,” said Reeno.

“If you have an asset that you don’t know, it makes for a dangerous fight, especially if the guy is a boxer. One thing we know about Prenga more than anything is that he can punch.

“In the Heavyweight division as everyone knows, a fight can end at any time with one punch.”

Joshua came to the same conclusion after studying the Albanian style during practice. The former United heavyweight champion dismissed suggestions that Saturday’s bout was a routine affair.

“You are very dangerous,” said Joshua.

“He is a very good fighter. A very dangerous fighter. Yes, I believe, I know, I have studied and I am ready.”

Prenga, on the other hand, believes that the years of watching Joshua have given him a clear picture of where opportunities can arise when the opening bell rings.

“I’ve seen it all. I’ve said it before, I have a lot of respect for Anthony Joshua. I’ve grown up watching all his fights. I’ve seen his weaknesses, I’ve seen what he does best. On Saturday night I’ll show exactly what I’m paying attention to.”

Heavyweights are rarely tall enough to stay in rhythm. Joshua’s approach is to tighten up his jab, control the distance and force Prenga to get on the receiving end of his punches. Prenga’s chance comes if he closes early and turns the competition into a power battle.

The heavyweight main event headlines a 13-fight card broadcast live around the world on DAZN. WBO super middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz defends his title against Simon Zachenhuber, while IBF super welterweight champion Josh Kelly faces Caoimhin Agyarko in the main event.