Eyebrows continue being raised over the comeback victory by Nigerian-born former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, as a British television presenter has described it as ‘something not quite right,’ Sports247 reports.
The presenter under focus, Simon Jordan wondered how Joshua was floored twice in the first round by his Albanian opponent, Kristian Prenga, only for the London 2012 Olympic Games gold medalist to get a knockout right after the first break.
READ ALSO: Anthony Joshua Stops Kristian Prenga, Dedicates Emotional Knockout Victory to Late Friends Ahead of Tyson Fury Showdown
Jordan further pointed out that, not only did Joshua bounce back in the second round, but he did so in a ruthless fashion and completely dominated his opponent, who then appeared ‘unable’ to fight back, following which he was routinely knocked out.
Independent boxing experts and pundits immediately raised eyebrows about the dramatic turn around that Satuday’s fight in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia had after the first round, but no one has come out in the same way that Jordan did to publicly question Joshua’s victory.
Joshua’s British rival and likely opponent in a much-anticipated blockbuster bout in November, Tyson Fury also posted a cynical reaction to Joshua’s victory, but no one has openly labelled it ‘a fix.’
However, a ripple effect of insinuations might subsequently follow, after Simon took to social media to raise his suspicions, which tend to put a dent on the amazing comeback victory for ‘AJ,’ who declared afterwards that he was able to floor Prenga in the second round with ‘the rise of a champion.’
A report by UK’s Daily Mail added, “eSPORTY presenter, Simon Jordan controversially questioned the dramatic difference in the rounds between Joshua and Prenga. Jordan declared ‘something not quite right,’ as he appeared to reference the sums on offer for Joshua’s fight with Fury.
“‘Not having that… #anthonyjoshua fight,’ Jordan posted. ‘Dropped twice and sets the tempo, how’s that? … Prenga totally different in 2nd. Something not quite right, all designed to rinse maximum amount of money…’
“Joshua landing just five of his 22 attempted punches in the first, while Prenga connected with 15 of his 32. The second round swung with Joshua landing with 13 of his 46 punches, as Prenga dramatically dropped off by landing three of 17 attempted.”
However, Joshua appeared to parry the insinuations, as he thanked God for the victory, which he hinted was as a result of the immense advantage he has over Prenga in terms of experience and pedigree gained from several years of glorious nights in the roped square.
Joshua declared, “He gave me a good test, but this is what champions do, we rise. We get knocked down and stand up. That is life, that is life’s motto.
“I want to give a massive thank you to Prenga and his team for putting up a good fight. It means a lot to them. It means a lot to me, and that is why you see what you see in the ring.
“I want to give thanks to God. It was more than me in that situation. It can’t just be me in them type of situations. There is a higher power that is calling.
“He’s a strong guy. He is going to do well and he has a bright future. Maybe with a bit more experience, he will be up there with the rest of us. He is strong and durable.”
