“He’s more dangerous than he’s ever been before. I can’t wait to see him back in the ring,” said Eddie Hearn to DAZN Boxing about Anthony Joshua at today’s kickoff press conferene.

“After the accident, you never know if you’re going to be the same. I don’t think you can be. I don’t think it’s something you’re ever going to get over. If AJ gets beat, it’s all over. Forget the Fury fight, the career is virtually done.”

The comments stand out because Hearn has spent months discussing Joshua’s future options, including a long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury. Yet his remarks suggest the Prenga fight carries far more significance than a routine comeback bout.

Joshua has not fought since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois. A win over Prenga would keep alive plans for major fights against Fury and other leading heavyweights. A loss would leave serious doubts about whether the 36-year-old can still compete with the division’s best fighters.

Hearn’s message was simple. Joshua still has a route back to the top, but he can’t afford to lose when he returns next month.