AJ Fierce for Prenga Fight

Anthony Joshua has adopted a "ferocious" mindset ahead of his ring return against Christian Prenga and is ready "to inflict a lot of pain," according to Matchroom President Barry Hearn. Negotiations for the long-awaited all-British clash with Tyson Fury are ongoing, but first, Joshua must uphold his end of the bargain by defeating Prenga in Saudi Arabia this Saturday.

Joshua hasn't boxed since knocking out YouTuber Jake Paul in December. The two-time heavyweight world champion spent an extended period out of the ring after surviving a car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his friends. The 36-year-old Brit has been training alongside former undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk. Hearn, who has worked with Joshua since his big break in 2012, warned that he has never seen him more focused.

"AJ looks in the shape of his life," Hearn told Sky Sports News. "He's been training in Usyk's camp. He's incredibly motivated – not just to win, but to put on a show. Prenga is dangerous. We don't know too much about him, but right now, Joshua is a ferocious beast, and that's exactly what you'll see in the ring. Don't blink and expect fireworks. AJ isn't taking anything for granted. He knows he has a job to do and will be ruthlessly efficient. He's in the mood to inflict a lot of pain on Saturday.

Right now, AJ is in incredible condition. I don't think in the 14 years I've known him, I've ever seen him look better or be so motivated long-term. Part of that motivation was fueled by the tragic accident, but now he's talking about another three years in the ring. A year ago, we were discussing the possibility of him having two more fights and then happily retiring."

Organizing the bout may have taken a decade, but Hearn believes that when it finally happens, the clash between Joshua and Fury will be the biggest heavyweight match ever held in their lifetime. He hopes the fight will take place at Wembley.

"We'd like the fight to be at Wembley, and that's what we're fighting for," Hearn added. "It's a global clash, but we believe it's primarily for British fans.

British supporters have shown immense patience. They've waited 10 years for this fight, so we hope everyone adheres to the terms in AJ's contract, which stipulate the fight should be held in the UK."