Hearn became visibly frustrated while defending both the opponent selection and Joshua’s need for a measured return following injuries and setbacks.

“I don’t think there’s any difference in the levels between Makhmudov and Prenga. Really. We’ve seen a bit of Makhmudov, but what does that mean? Just because you’ve never watched a fighter, you want to suddenly say he’s no good,” Hearn said to The Stomping Ground.

“I’m not saying he’s a world-class elite heavyweight, but he’s a competent heavyweight puncher. Just because someone’s never got the opportunity to be in that kind of fight before, you can’t just say, ‘Well, I’ve never seen him before, he’s shit.’ That’s just naive.

“There are a lot of questions to answer. You’ve got to go out there under the pressure and the bright lights and do it. You’ve also got to understand what he’s been through physically as well. Not just mentally and emotionally, but the injuries.

“You can’t just come back into a fight like Tyson Fury like nothing’s happened. Let him do his thing July 25th, and I believe he’ll smash up Prenga and then I believe he’ll fight Fury.”

Hearn also claimed he believes Prenga would be competitive against heavyweight contender Arslanbek Makhmudov despite criticism surrounding Joshua’s comeback opponent.