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'Keep digging a grave!' - Joshua fires at critics before Prenga bout
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Anthony Joshua says his critics are "keep digging a grave" as he insists he will not take Kristian Prenga lightly in their bout.
The pair meet in Saudi Arabia on July 25th, in what marks the Briton's return to the ring ahead of his Tyson Fury super-fight.
For many, the choice of the relatively unknown Prenga represents a straightforward assignment for Joshua as a tune-up test.
But speaking at Monday's launch press conference, the star paid respect to his rival while vowing there would be no upset.
Fury and Hall up the tempo
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"Keep talking about me, and keep digging a grave," he said. "The grave has already been dug, but they just keep digging deeper.
"It [isn't] about looking past anyone. It's about knowing your purpose. I know what this year is about, how tough it's going to be.
"But I'm going to be the man for the job. I'm looking forward to the challenges. I'm a contractor, his is a contract. This is my job.
"This isn't just about getting fit. I want to go in there and show how good I am. When I do that, I put on a clinical performance."
Joshua determined to deliver improved turn
DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel
Anthony Joshua is back - and with the end goal of a Tyson Fury super-bout on the horizon, the star is ready to be all business.
If last December's return against Jake Paul was more of a glorified exhibition after a year out of the ring, this is the real deal.
Kristian Prenga may not be the most eye-catching name, but the Albanian is a hard-hitter, and his backers feel he can shock.
It will not be lost on Joshua that this press conference was held seven years to the day that Andy Ruiz Jr. stunned him in NYC.
Now, it will be on 'AJ' to ensure there is no repeat of a banana-skin in Saudi Arabia this summer, to keep his show rolling on.
Watch Fury vs. Hall exclusively on DAZN
'The Beauty' Tommy Fury fights the 'The Beast' Eddie Hall on a great Misfits fight night on Saturday, June 13, exclusively live on DAZN. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27), Joshua vs. Prenga (July 25) and Canelo vs. M'billi (Sept 12) PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
