Anthony Joshua is preparing for a significant fight against Kristian Prenga while grappling with the recent loss of two close friends and team members. The tragic incident occurred on December 29, 2025, when a vehicle they were traveling in collided with a stationary truck near Lagos, Nigeria. Joshua, who sustained minor injuries, is determined to honor the memory of Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele during his comeback.

Ghani served as Joshua's sport and exercise rehabilitation coach for over a decade, while Ayodele was a long-time personal trainer. Just hours before the accident, Joshua shared a video on Instagram of a light-hearted table tennis match with Ayodele, highlighting their close bond.

As he prepares for his first bout since knocking out Jake Paul ten days before the crash, Joshua admits the emotional weight is heavy. He stated to BBC Sport:

It's tough, every time I think about it, it hurts. Even talking about it now... pictures… it hurts but I keep my mind occupied. If I stop, you let it sink in and I'm not ready for it to sink in yet.

This match against Prenga marks Joshua's return to competitive boxing after a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024. The 36-year-old expressed feeling "a little bit nervous" but remains focused on performing well for his fallen friends and for himself. He emphasized the importance of understanding his role and the clarity he has about his responsibilities in the ring.