The entourage of Albanian fighter Kristian Prenga has come forward to categorically deny speculation that suggests an alleged arrangement or bribery during their recent confrontation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Keith Sullivan, the boxer's manager, publicly explained the technical and physical reasons why his client could not maintain the pace of the fight against Anthony Joshua, rejecting any version of arrangements outside the regulations.

The controversy arose after the drastic change of twists on the rope between the first and second episodes.

Prenga surprised the fans by sending the Briton to the canvas in the initial round, almost winning quickly; However, in the next round the development of the actions changed radically until culminating in the definition in favor of the former world champion.

The official position on speculation in Saudi Arabia

Given the proliferation of comments about an alleged external intervention between rounds, the Albanian boxer's corner was emphatic in dismissing any irregularity. In statements given to the sports station talkSPORT, Keith Sullivan addressed the two main versions that circulated on social networks to clarify what happened at the Asian venue.

"There were two conspiracy theories. One was that Turki Al-Alshikh had joined our side, but he was not even in Jeddah, so that never happened," the manager declared, adding about the second hypothesis: "The other theory was that someone from Sela or Matchroom came to whisper in our corner. If you look at the images, you will realize that that never happened."

The previous illness and the consequences on physical condition

According to the work team's explanation, the real cause of the fighter's decrease in performance was a health problem suffered during the weeks prior to the commitment.

Prenga remained in bed for eight straight days before moving to Dubai for medical check-ups, which prevented him from carrying out his cardio training sessions for almost three weeks.

Sullivan detailed the impact this inactivity had on the athlete's mentality when the bell rang for the second round. "Kristian got up from the stool and told me that he felt exactly the same sensation as when he was in bed gasping for air and without energy. The lack of physical conditioning accumulated in the previous three weeks took its toll on him at that precise moment," argued the representative.

The experience factor and Anthony Joshua's reaction

The physical wear and tear forced the boxer to alter the strategy drawn up by his coaches, seeking to distance himself to dose his energies. This tactical decision gave Anthony Joshua the space necessary to establish his left jab and take definitive control of the actions in the ring.

The representative of the Albanian boxer acknowledged that Anthony Joshua's hierarchy was decisive in capitalizing on that moment of hesitation in the ring. “Kristian thought he could keep his distance to conserve some energy, and that small opening was all it took for a fighter of Anthony Joshua's experience to open the door wide and take control with his power,” Sullivan explained.

Despite the adverse result, Prenga's corner appreciated the spectacle provided during the minutes that the fight lasted, highlighting that the boxer managed to put the promoter Matchroom Boxing in trouble during the first episode. The presentation of Anthony Joshua ratified his fast-track victory, leaving the path clear for his next commitments in the heavyweight division.

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