JEDDAH: Anthony Joshua tipped the scale at 251 pounds and Kristian Prenga came in at 261.4 pounds on Friday at the official weigh-in ahead of Saturday’s heavyweight showdown when the boxers will headline “The Comeback” event at Jeddah Superdome.
The ceremonial event on the Red Sea waterfront attracted a large crowd of fans as the fighters completed the final prefight formalities.
Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight world champion, got the crowd going when he encouraged them to cheer for his opponent before stepping onto the scales himself, a gesture that drew loud applause and highlighted the mutual feelings of respect between the two men ahead of their clash.
Joshua told fans, “We’re feeling good,” before further hyping up the crowd. Meanwhile Prenga, respect notwithstanding, issued a confident warning to his opponent before stepping on the scales: “I’m going to knock Joshua out.”
The pair then faced off for one final staredown before leaving the stage, bringing to a dramatic end the run-up to the main event. Saturday’s card includes 13 bouts in all, including contests featuring Saudi boxers.
