AJ's Trainer Urges: Focus on What He's Regained, Not What's Lost

Pulse Sports Team 13:02 - 28 July 2026

Sergey Lapin, Anthony Joshua's trainer, has dismissed concerns regarding the Briton's performance against Christian Prenga last weekend.

The 36-year-old Joshua knocked out his opponent in the second round, dropping Prenga (20-2, 20 KOs) to the canvas. It was one of the most devastating finishes Joshua has delivered in his long and illustrious career. However, the first round drew significant media attention. Joshua was heavily dropped early on, suffered another knockdown, several stumbles, and did well to survive against an opponent not considered a threat before the fight.

"You can't judge a fighter solely on one round," Lapin told "Action Network." "The first round gives you information, not a verdict. Yes, there were things we didn't like, and we will analyze them carefully. But most importantly, he adapted, made adjustments during the fight, and won. The ability to adapt under pressure is what distinguishes great champions from everyone else."

This was Joshua's (30-4, 27 KOs) first fight since he was involved in a car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends. Prior to that, he knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round to rebound from a fifth-round loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

"I am not a doctor, so I won't make medical conclusions," Lapin continued. "But anyone who has gone through such a serious incident faces not only physical but also psychological recovery. Nevertheless, I believe it's far more important to focus on what he has regained rather than what he might have lost. He returned to the ring and won. That's what matters."

"This speaks volumes about his character, his immense heart, and his true love for boxing. AJ went through a tragedy that would take many people years to recover from. He lost close friends, and with them, a part of himself. Yet, he returned to the ring. The important thing is that he found the strength to come back to the one place where the pressure is greatest and where you cannot hide from yourself. So, before people criticize him, they should consider what he has been through. For me, that is true character. AJ is not just a fighter. He is a true man."

"Behind the scenes, I didn't see a broken man. I saw a man who had started to believe in himself again. And in my opinion, that is even more important than the victory itself."