Matchroom CEO responds to Simon Jordan's conspiracy theory about Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga

Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith has lashed out at Simon Jordan's claim that there was something 'not quite right' about Anthony Joshua's comeback fight.

On Saturday night, former unified heavyweight champion Joshua made his much-anticipated return to the boxing ring to face Albania's Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The bout was the first a tragic car crash in Nigeria left him with minor injuries and killed two of his close friends, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

With British rival Tyson Fury fighting and beating Polish boxer Mariusz Wach in a behind-closed-doors charity event in Thailand the day before, the pressure was on Joshua to pick up a statement win to set up a future meeting with Fury later this year.

Things got off to a disastrous start for Joshua after he found himself on the canvas in the opening 20 seconds courtesy of a powerful right uppercut from Prenga before once again being knocked down later in the round with another right hand.

Joshua, however, was undeterred and came back in the second round with a brutal combination that sent Prenga through the ropes and ended the fight.

Many fans were excited to see Joshua face adversity and come through it with such a strong finish, but others have suggested that it may have been all part of the plan ahead of the potential fight with Fury.

One of the most skeptical fans was boxing journalist Simon Jordan, who took to social media following the fight to share his thoughts.

"Not having that Anthony Joshua fight," Jordan wrote on X.

"Dropped twice and sets the tempo, how's that? Prenga totally different in second [round].

"Something not quite right, all designed to rinse maximum amount of money..."

Jordan isn't the only one to have raised questions about the way the fight played out, with others suggesting that Joshua may have intentionally performed worse than expected to lull Fury into a false sense of security.

Although this idea seems far-fetched, Joshua wouldn't be the first heavyweight star to do so after Oleksandr Usyk, who helped train Joshua ahead of his comeback, used this method when stepping up to heavyweight for the first time.

Matchroom CEO slams Jordan’s Anthony Joshua conspiracy theory

However, regardless of whichever theory people may have, Matchroom boxing CEO Smith is adamant that they aren't true, as he spoke out to call out Jordan and his comments directly.

“Simon does talk some waffle, doesn't he?” Smith said on The Stomping Ground.

“There’s no difference here. It is quite a wild accusation if he’s suggesting [the fight was fixed]. It’s hard to read it any differently.

“But reading all the comments, everyone seems to say the same thing. Shut up, Simon. What a wally.

“I’m sure he’ll explain himself in his radio show. It’s Simon Jordan. He’s the king of being divisive. Gets the people going.

“I don’t read much into it, personally. I’m not saying I agree with the statement, but like what a wild thing to say.

“You think it was all part of the plan? Got dropped, got back up, then dropped. Okay. Thanks, Simon. Crazy man.”

When is Fury v Joshua?

Although the fight itself has been confirmed, it's not yet known exactly when Fury and Joshua will meet each other in the ring.

Following their wins this week, the two former champions will need to take some time away from the ring to recover before returning to a training camp ahead of a potential fight.

With that in mind, it is widely expected that the Fury vs Joshua fight will take place at the back end of 2026, assuming neither man gets injured in the build-up.

According to several reports, organisers are hoping to finalise a date in November, leaving just a few options available.

As is always the case, the fight is expected to take place on a Saturday, meaning November 7, 14, 21 or 28 are the only possible dates.