What began as a personal journey through loss has evolved into an internationally recognized effort to promote cleaner indoor air and environmental sustainability, with Papua New Guinean entrepreneur Budo Magaru-Ilaitia receiving global recognition for her work.Magaru-Ilaitia, founder and chief executive officer of Crusaders Air Solution, has been recognised internationally in 2026 after years of developing plant-based indoor air quality solutions inspired by her family's experiences and her commitment to improving public health.Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2009 when her late husband established her first business, Koro Landscape Company (KLC), just three months before his passing. The company, named after the values of being "Kind, Loving and Caring," reflected her passion for supporting her family and creating healthier living environments through plants and landscaping.Despite an encouraging start, the business faced significant setbacks and ceased operations in 2012 following financial difficulties linked to political interference and corruption. Rather than leaving the business sector, Magaru-Ilaitia redirected her focus toward researching the role of plants in improving indoor air quality and supporting human wellbeing.The business was later renamed Crusaders, a title she says reflects her Christian faith, resilience and determination to overcome adversity. She describes the name as representing courage, discipline, and a commitment to serving her community.A turning point came in 2023 when Magaru-Ilaitia completed the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme delivered through the United States Embassy in Port Moresby. The programme strengthened her business and leadership skills and prompted a strategic shift in the company's direction.By 2024, the business had been rebranded as Crusaders Air Solution, moving beyond indoor plant hire to focus on nature-based solutions designed to improve indoor air quality while supporting environmental sustainability.Over the following two years, the company refined its approach, developing plant-based systems intended to create healthier indoor environments and contribute to broader discussions on climate resilience and sustainable development.The work attracted international recognition in 2026. Magaru-Ilaitia was named a finalist in the Women in Sustainability category at the Women Changing the World Awards in Paris and was appointed a Women Changing the World Ambassador for 2026. She later received the Cluster of Achievers – Business Leader Award 2026 during a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia.According to Magaru-Ilaitia, the awards highlight the potential for Papua New Guinea to contribute innovative solutions to global environmental challenges."I carry Papua New Guinea wherever I go," she said. "These recognitions prove that world-class ideas can come from our country and that we have something valuable to contribute to the global conversation on sustainability."Crusaders Air Solution is now preparing to launch a pilot project with the Papua New Guinea Government aimed at advancing indoor air quality initiatives and supporting the country's participation in global environmental monitoring and data collection. The company has also secured intellectual sustainability rights for its plant-based methods.Magaru-Ilaitia said she hopes her international recognition will encourage greater national investment in indoor air quality, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.Beyond her business achievements, she hopes her story will inspire women and aspiring entrepreneurs to persevere despite personal and professional challenges."As the world searches for innovative environmental solutions, Papua New Guinea has an opportunity to contribute through locally developed ideas that address global challenges," she said.From overcoming personal loss to receiving international recognition, Magaru-Ilaitia's journey reflects the growing role of Papua New Guinean entrepreneurs in advancing sustainable development and environmental innovation on the global stage.

More than 41,000 Grade 12 students across Papua New Guinea will soon sit the 2026 Written Expression Examination on Monday, August 3, with the Department of Education confirming it is fully prepared to administer the national assessment.A total of 41,149 students from 249 secondary schools and seven National Schools of Excellence will take part in the examination, one of the key assessments for Grade 12 students.The Department said all examination papers and related materials have been delivered to provinces and schools ahead of the exam through the Measurement Services Division.Students also received their Written Expression Examination resource booklets on Monday, July 27, giving them a week to study the reading materials, examine the prompts and prepare their essays before the examination.Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra commended the Measurement Services Division, provincial education authorities and school principals for ensuring the timely distribution of the examination materials."This examination is a critical milestone for our Grade 12 students as they prepare for their future academic journeys.”"With the resource booklets now in their hands, I urge all students to utilize this week wisely, focus on their reading, and prepare thoroughly for Monday's exam."He also wished all 41,149 candidates across the country success as they prepare to sit the national exam next week.

The East New Britain Provincial Government has demonstrated support for rural education with the delivery of a new school truck to Malasait Primary School and the opening of a new classroom at Kasaska Primary School in the Inland Baining area of Gazelle District.Governor Michael Marum, accompanied by officials from the Gazelle District Administration, attended both events alongside the District Administrator, Local Level Government President, ward members and community leaders.Governor Marum emphasized the cruciality of services reaching even the remote parts of the province.“Too many times our people in these rural areas have been referred to as the ‘back page people’.”“Today, we are sending a clear message that every child, every school and every community matters.”The school truck to Malasait Primary School is expected to assist with transport for school operations while also supporting neighbouring schools across the Inland Baining area.At Kasaska Primary School, Governor Marum officially opened a new classroom built through a community-led effort spearheaded by Ward Member Mark Kalas.He praised the community for taking ownership of education development and demonstrating the impact of strong local leadership and partnerships.The Governor also urged parents to make full use of the improved facilities by ensuring their children attended school regularly."There is little value in building classrooms and providing school facilities if our children are not in school.”“As parents, we all have a responsibility to ensure our children make full use of these investments so they can build a better future for themselves and for East New Britain.”Governor Marum thanked the people of Inland Baining for their patience and resilience, acknowledging their continued support for development despite facing challenges over the years.During the ceremony, the Gazelle District Administrator announced that construction of a new two-in-one classroom for Kasaska Primary School would begin soon, further expanding education infrastructure in the area.Governor Marum reaffirmed that education remains a key priority for the East New Britain Provincial Government.“The East New Britain Provincial Government will continue working with districts, local communities and development partners to ensure every child, regardless of where they live, has access to quality education and the opportunities they deserve.”

The Management of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) wishes to address recent security concerns following events reported on the night of Saturday, 25 July, and the early hours of Sunday, 26 July 2026.At approximately 10:27 PM on Saturday, Campus Security received an alert from the management of the University Adventist Residential College (UARC) regarding potential criminal activity in the area.In response, the Chief Security Officer immediately mobilized additional security teams to reinforce personnel stationed at both UARC and the Catholic Residential College.Responding officers noted a commotion in the neighbouring community outside the University's perimeter. There was no attempt to breach the perimeter fence, enter the campus, or damage University property.Following the earlier incident on 18 July 2026, heightened anxiety persisted across the student body, particularly among female residents.As news of the off-campus disturbance spread rapidly via messaging platforms and social media, a group of male students moved toward the female dormitories to offer support.The rapid movement of students and surrounding uncertainty caused brief confusion on campus.While no security breach was confirmed inside the University, several female students reported seeing unidentified individuals near their residential areas.PNGUoT takes all student safety reports seriously. Security teams immediately conducted thorough searches and inspections across female residential facilities and surrounding grounds; no unauthorized individuals were located within the dormitories.Following the 18 July incident, PNGUoT implemented heightened security protocols, which remain actively enforced:Increased security personnel around student residential areas;Enhanced overnight security patrols;Strengthened perimeter monitoring;Closer coordination with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary;Additional security presence around female residential colleges.The University continues to work closely with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and other relevant authorities in relation to both the 18 July incident and the events reported over the weekend.A comprehensive review of all campus security operations is currently underway to identify potential vulnerabilities and implement further protective measures.PNGUoT urges students, staff, parents, and the public to rely exclusively on official, verified communication channels.During the incident, unverified claims and unrelated media circulated widely online. Notably, a photo falsely claiming that a suspect tied to the PNGUoT incident had been apprehended is completely false and unrelated to the University.Misinformation during sensitive times creates unnecessary panic, and we urge everyone to exercise responsibility on social media.PNGUoT Management assures students, parents, guardians, staff, and the community that the safety and well-being of every campus resident remain its highest priority.The Management continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies to maintain a secure learning and working environments for all.

Morobe police are investigating a wilful murder that occurred at Namasali Compound in Wau-Waria District, Morobe Province, during the early hours of Friday, July 24, 2026.Morobe Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Superintendent Samson Siguyaru, confirmed that initial investigations indicate a group of unknown suspects allegedly entered the home of Mr. Aundre Eremas between midnight and 1:00 AM with the intention of robbing him.PPC Siguyaru said Mr. Eremas, who was believed to be a gold buyer, attempted to defend himself but was attacked with bush knives and later died from his injuries.Police attended the scene and conducted preliminary investigations before commencing a full murder investigation.The body of the deceased was transported to the Angau Memorial Hospital Morgue in Lae on Saturday, July 25, 2026.PPC Siguyaru confirmed that the police have identified the suspected individuals believed to be involved in the killing and are calling on them to surrender.“Police have identified the whereabouts of those suspects who were believed to be involved in the wilful murder.”“I appeal to the community leaders, relatives and members of the public to encourage the suspects to surrender themselves to the police.”“Anyone with the information that may assist the police investigation is urged to report it to the nearest police station.”He condemned the killing, saying violence and taking of human life must not become a norm within communities.“This act of senseless killing is deeply concerning. Violence and taking human life are not accepted as normal in our communities.”“Every life is valuable, and those responsible will be pursued and brought before the courts.”He urged residents to remain vigilant and take extra precautions while at home and travelling, adding that police have increased mobile patrols and visibility across the province.Meanwhile, PPC Siguyaru acknowledged that the Morobe Provincial Police Command continues to face major resource challenges.He stated that current police-to-population ratio in Morobe is approximately one police officer for every 8,000 people, making it difficult for police to maintain a presence in every community at all times.Therefore, he appealed for stronger cooperation from community leaders and residents to assist police in preventing crime and bringing offenders to justice.Public support remains critical in creating safer communities across Morobe Province.

Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, Michelle O’Byrne, is visiting Papua New Guinea to strengthen bilateral partnerships focused on advancing women’s leadership, economic empowerment, gender equality, and efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.During her visit to Port Moresby, Lae, and Mt Hagen, Ambassador O’Byrne will meet with women leaders, civil society organisations, frontline service providers, business representatives, young people, and government officials working to improve opportunities and outcomes for women and girls across the country.The visit will provide the Ambassador with an opportunity to observe Australia’s support for initiatives that promote women’s leadership, economic participation, and community safety through the Australia–PNG Partnership.Her itinerary includes visits to the Bel isi Case Management Centre, the Women’s Business Resource Centre, women-led businesses, and community sporting initiatives. She will also meet with women’s rights advocates, frontline responders, and political leaders supporting gender equality and women’s empowerment.As part of the program, Ambassador O’Byrne will attend PNG Hunters fixtures and AFL PNG training sessions, where she will engage with athletes, coaches, and sporting organisations using sport to promote leadership opportunities for women and girls, positive social change, and greater gender equality.Speaking ahead of the visit, Ambassador O’Byrne acknowledged the contributions of Papua New Guinean women and organisations leading change in their communities."Papua New Guinea is home to extraordinary women and organisations driving change in their communities every day," she said.She added that the visit would provide an opportunity to hear directly from women leaders, political champions, frontline workers, and young people about the opportunities and challenges they face while reinforcing Australia's partnership with Papua New Guinea to advance gender equality.Australia says it recognises that lasting progress on gender equality is driven by Papua New Guinean leadership and collaboration. Through the Australia–PNG Partnership, it remains committed to working with government, civil society, communities, and the private sector to support a more inclusive, prosperous, and equitable future for all.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has given Cameron Munster his blessing to negotiate with the PNG Chiefs after the club granted the Queensland and Australian star permission to explore an opportunity with the NRL's newest franchise.Munster, a two-time NRL premiership winner and one of Melbourne's longest-serving players, has emerged as a potential marquee signing for the PNG Chiefs as the club continues building its inaugural squad ahead of its 2028 entry into the competition. The franchise recently announced Zac Lomax as Player No. 005.Speaking after Melbourne's 26-24 loss to the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday night, Bellamy said he would fully support Munster if he decided to leave the club."I am happy to let him go. He has done a lot for our club. He has been a great servant and very loyal, so if he wants to go, then he goes with my blessing," Bellamy said.Munster's signing would represent one of the biggest recruitment coups in the club's short history. The three-time Dally M Five-eighth of the Year is among the NRL's highest-paid players and would likely command one of the richest contracts at the PNG Chiefs.If Munster joins the franchise, he would partner fellow elite playmaker Jerome Luai, who became the Chiefs' inaugural signing as Player No. 001. Together, the pair have won six NRL premierships, with Munster claiming two titles and Luai four.Munster has played more than 250 first grade matches across 12 seasons with Melbourne, won two premierships from four grand final appearances, captained Queensland and remains Australia's first-choice five-eighth.His experience, leadership and on-field success make him a strong candidate to captain the PNG Chiefs, although it remains unclear whether that role has already been earmarked for Luai.The PNG Chiefs have remained tight-lipped about their recruitment strategy and traditionally do not confirm negotiations until players are officially unveiled in Port Moresby.Source: 9 News Queensland

Morobe police have issued a strong warning to all small craft operators to strictly adhere to safety advisories from the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) and other authorized agencies, following a tragic maritime accident that claimed two lives in Sialum.Morobe Provincial Police Commander Chief (PPC) Superintendent Samson Siguyaru, stated that the warning follows a boat capsize at Quambu Point near Sialum Station around 10:00 PM on Thursday, July 23, 2026.A family of five was traveling in a small craft through rough seas when the vessel overturned. The incident resulted in the deaths of the father and his eldest daughter whose bodies were subsequently brought to Butaweng Mortuary.A young boy and a young girl remain missing at sea, while the mother survived. The skipper and two crew members have been identified, and formal police investigations are currently underway.PPC Siguyaru emphasized that the incident highlights the dangers of ignoring maritime safety warnings.“Morobe police are directing all small craft operators throughout the province to strictly comply with all NMSA safety advisories, weather warnings, and lawful directions issued by police and other authorised agencies.”“Operators who disregard these warnings and continue to operate in unsafe conditions will face police action.”He said police officers across Morobe Province have been instructed to monitor operators and take action against those who deliberately breach safety requirements.“Police officers throughout the Morobe Province have been instructed to stop, inspect, and, where sufficient evidence exists, arrest operators who deliberately violate maritime safety requirements or lawful police directions.”PPC Siguyaru said operators who place passengers’ lives at risk may face prosecution under relevant Papua New Guinea laws, including the National Maritime Safety Authority Act 2003, Merchant Shipping Act 1975, and provisions under the Criminal Code Act relating to reckless or negligent conduct.Moreover, he added that the police will continue working with NMSA to ensure maritime safety regulations are followed, and offenders are held accountable.PPC Siguyaru stated that the loss of lives at sea due to ignoring safety warnings is preventable and urged operators not to put profit or convenience ahead of passenger safety.Furthermore, the Morobe Provincial Police Command has extended its condolences to the affected family and said support will continue for search efforts to locate the two missing children.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Water PNG Limited, Mr. James Young has confirmed the anticipated partial shutdown of the water supply into Port Moresby.The outage is required for critical repair work and will take place over the coming weekend, running from 10:00 PM, Friday, July 31, to 3:00 AM, Sunday, August 2.Mr. Young explained that undertaking the repair work was intentionally deferred so that Water PNG could execute extensive remedial preparations and secure materials from around the globe.This strategy shortened the shutdown period to 29 hours- substantially less than the initial expectation of more than a week.“While the situation remains serious, through input from engineers at Water PNG and experts around the world, we have been able to stabilize the situation so we can be in position for a shorter outage and better prepared in the event of a catastrophic failure during repairs.”“The trade-off in the delay is that the city has been losing 10 million litres each day to the major leak, but this is the price we pay to reduce impact on the city during the repairs.”“The additional preparations have included the replacement of key air valves and scour valves, extensive additional hydraulic modelling, securing replacement pipe materials and specialist repair couplings, and the installation of automated flow monitoring to support safer operation of the system during and after the repair.”“These materials and technical equipment have been brought in from around the world, and measures are in place to continue raw water flow into the Mt Eriama Water Treatment Plant through the Rouna 4 pipeline.”“It is important that there is full information and transparency so that the public and the business community are fully aware of what is happening, and the ongoing risks that come with such serious repair work to the Rouna 1/3 pipeline.”“We are all in this together as we repair and maintain this vital public infrastructure.”During the 29-hour rationing period, the city’s water supply will be reduced by 100 million litres per day (down to 80 million litres).Mr. Young noted that the rotation schedule was designed to minimize the impact on households, ensuring residential areas maintain the greatest possible access to supply throughout Saturday.“The longest outage will be in the downtown area where hotels and houses have greater capacity to prepare and store water for this period, than is the case in many suburbs and settlements.”“Regardless, where people live or work, our advice is to store as much water safely in containers as is possible before the rationing period.”“This is important for drinking and cooking, and for flushing toilets. When water is rationed to your area be sure to top up containers for the remaining period of outage.”“Then when full water supply is returned, we urge all customers to run their taps for five minutes to ensure their supply is clear.”Warning of Further Potential InterruptionsMr. Young sounded a note of caution for further risks of failure that could occur during repairs.“The Rouna infrastructure is almost 65 years old; this means that the whole pipeline is unstable and fragile with the serious a risk of outright failure.”“There remains the chance that in reducing the pressure in the pipeline for repairs, and then repressurising, could cause a collapse.”“It is important that the public is aware of this potential so that if a worst-case-scenario was to eventuate, we can all work together to ensure public safety.”  “Water PNG will provide updates on the current repairs and any changes in the integrity of the pipeline.”Water Supply Rationing ScheduleWhile a specific zone has water supply at its allotted time, all other zones will be without supply. Forward planning is essential for both residents and businesses.10:00 PM Friday 31 July to 3am Saturday 1 August (Zone 4):Bomana, Marienville, Graceville, Maiolo Estate, Mendoza, Skyview, ATW, 2G, Laloki, MacGregor Barracks, Bio Farming, Kennedy Estate, Moitaka Power Plant, Brian Bell Home Centre, MVIL, Parliament House, Waigani National Court House, NZ High Commission, Nilkare St, Royal Golf Course, Morauta House, Telikom Rumana, Bowl Restaurant, TISA Building, Bishop Brothers, Boroko Motors, Ela Motors, The National Newspaper, Theodist, North Lake Estate.3:00 AM to 11AM on Saturday 1 August (Zone 1):Gerehu Stage 1-7, Rainbow, POMNAT, NRI, UPNG Main Campus, Red Sea Housing, EWT, Atlas Steel, PNG Ports, Curtain Brothers, Pacific Towing, Ensisi Valley, Tokarara, June Valley, North Waigani, Fourth Banner, Waigani Heights, Burns Peak, Lower Murray Barracks, Holiday Inn, Hilton, Lamana, Laguna, Dream Inn, Games Village, NCDC, VC, Rangeview, Savannah Heights, Stanley Hotel, Lakeside Housing Estate.11:00 AM to 7PM on Saturday 1 August (Zone 2):Boroko Drive, Gordon Industrial, 5 Mile, NBC, Erima, 6 & 7 Mile, Gateway, Airways, Airport, East Boroko, Korobosea, Waigani SNS, Hasting Deering, Waigani/Gordons Industrial -Gabaka St, Goroa St, Koani St, Soare St, Varahe Rd, Ahuia St, Manu, Taurama Barracks, Angau Drive, Bisini Parade, Caritas, Toea Homes, Mahuru, Kira Kira, Sabama, Pari Village.7:00 PM Saturday 1 August to 3AM Sunday August 2 (Zone 3):3 Mile, PX Village, Korobosea Drive, SVS, Murray Barracks, 4 Mile Boroko, Naslund, NCDC Depot, Works HQ, Seoul Restaurant, Garden Hills, Badili, Konedobu, Post Courier, Police HQ, Aviat Club, Lawes Rd, Port Road, Government House, Waterfront, Harbour City, ldubada, Kanudi, Town, Ela Beach Hotel, Touaguba, Airvos Av, Crown Hotel, Grand Papua Hotel, Paga Hill, Town CBC, IRC, Alibi, Ela Beach Tower.

The vision to Move Morobe Up continues to gather momentum as Morobe Governor and Member for Finschhafen, Hon. Rainbo Paita, led a high-level government delegation to Wawin Farm in Huon Gulf District for a landmark consultation on the future development of the Wawin Growth Centre.Joining Governor Paita was Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, together with government officials and community representatives from Naromanki, Zifasing and Tararan Wards of Wampar LLG.The meeting focused on the proposed Wawin Township Development, with local communities receiving updates on the many economic and infrastructure projects planned for the area.During the discussions, Governor Paita urged Minister Maru to fast-track the establishment of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for both Finschhafen and Wawin, stressing that these projects will create jobs, attract investment and unlock greater opportunities for the people of Morobe.The Governor also raised the progress of the Finschhafen Hydropower Projects, including the Burum 2 Hydro Project.In response, Minister Maru, who now has oversight responsibilities relating to PNG Power, assured the communities that he would engage with the relevant authorities and work towards accelerating the hydropower developments, as well as the proposed Wawin Solar Project.The people of Wawin warmly welcomed the delegation with traditional presentations of cattle, fresh local produce, bilums and a symbolic Muruk bird, reflecting their appreciation and commitment to the partnership between government and local communities.Governor Paita's leadership continues to bring national leaders directly to the people, ensuring communities receive clear information about the development plans that will shape the future of Finschhafen, Huon Gulf and Morobe Province.

It's been over a week now since a vessel went missing with 3 persons between the waters of Nissan Island and Buka last Saturday in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, and sadly all progress to allocate them was not successful. The vessel was on a route departing Nissan Island and was heading for Buka but never arrived. ABG Directorate of Disaster and Emergency stated that the sea-based search operations are currently restricted and will not be possible until weather conditions improve.In the meantime, the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) have issued warnings regarding strong winds across the Bougainville region; thus, this has caused search operations to be on hold. The ABG Directorate of Disaster further releases the following information and asks that the public reports any sightings of a floater dinghy dinghy with a yellow top powered by a 60HP Yamaha engine. The boat features one mast flying an AROB flag with a red scarf (bandana) on top and it is equipped with a red light that automatically activates at night (6:00 PM). The vessel was carrying one empty drum, one bag of cacao, two bags of copra in onion bags, a blue bingo, and two tanks (one spray-painted with blue dots).The three persons on Board are Mitchell Tokiapron (Skipper) he was wearing army-coloured sports shorts and an army camouflage jacket, Darrell (Crew) he was wearing a black cut t-shirt, black cargo shorts, and an army camouflage jacket and Horen Kapiatu (Passenger) who was wearing a black t-shirt and cargo shorts, with hair tied in a band.The MRCC and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) continue to broadcast information to all vessels operating in New Ireland waters. While this information remains current, there have been no confirmed sightings of the vessel to date. The Directorate of Disaster Emergency has extended its alert network to ensure maximum coverage of the maritime zones. Current efforts include:• New Ireland and Tanir LLG: The New Ireland Provincial Disaster Office and Tanir (Tanga/Anir) LLG are actively monitoring their maritime zones.• Atolls and Local Coordination: Communication remains open with Nissan-Pinapel and Nuguria (Bougainville Atolls) to monitor any sightings from their respective locations.The Directorate of Disaster Emergency strongly reminds all small-craft operators to avoid unnecessary sea travel between Nissan, Buka, and surrounding waters due to the current adverse weather conditions. Operators must closely monitor official weather advisories before considering any travel. The ABG continues to extend its thoughts and prayers to the families of those on board. "We urge the public to refrain from circulating unverified information on social media and to rely only on official updates."

|Joshua extended his record to 30 victories and four defeats in one of the most dramatic fights of his careerAnthony Joshua suffered two knockdowns - the first happening after just 20 seconds - before recovering to dramatically stop Kristian Prenga in the second round of his comeback fight in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.The British heavyweight was fighting for the first time since surviving the December car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of his close friends Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele.He was sensationally rocked by a huge uppercut from underdog Prenga in the opening round, and then hit the canvas again later in the round.At that point he looked on the verge of one of the biggest shock defeats in heavyweight history, with the long-awaited Tyson Fury fight hanging by a thread.But Joshua produced one of the greatest escapes of his career, and now that fight is on.He unleashed his right hand in the second round, with the final shot sending Albanian Prenga crashing down and forcing the referee to halt the contest."It's more than punch power. That was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina, that was the families. It hurts to even talk about it. It has been tough," Joshua, 36, said.He choked up and stepped away from the microphone, before adding: "It's my brothers. I don't want to talk about it."There had been speculation fellow Briton Fury might make a appearance despite insisting he would not attend.But the master of mind games stayed true to his word, with Fury nowhere to be seen barely 24 hours on from his own warm-up win over Mariusz Wach in Thailand."I respect everything he has done and everything that he has achieved, but as a fighting person, we're here now. I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat," Joshua said about the prospect of fighting Fury.Contracts have been signed, but the venue and date for a fight more than a decade in the making are still unknown.This chaotic night, however, belonged to Joshua in a victory forged through adversity during the most difficult months of his life.Down but not out for AJ on emotional return|Joshua survived two knockdowns to record the 27th stoppage of his careerGiven the circumstances, this was never going to be a straightforward return for Joshua. Few, however, could have predicted the drama that unfolded inside six minutes.Joshua carried the names of Ghami and Ayodele on his chest and walked to the ring alongside his entire team in a quiet show of unity. The canvas carried their names too, alongside the words 'My Brother's Keeper'.His comeback could scarcely have begun in any worse fashion. Just 20 seconds in, a right uppercut from Prenga sent Joshua crashing to the canvas and stunned the arena.Joshua smiled as he climbed to his feet. Prenga, who arrived with 20 knockouts from his 20 victories but little profile even with boxing's hardcore followers, sensed an opportunity.Promoter Eddie Hearn barked instructions from ringside, while Joshua stablemate Oleksandr Usyk watched on with a look of concern.A left uppercut later in the round dumped Joshua on the canvas again. He was still unsteady at the start of the second round and appeared to be there for the taking, but Prenga surprisingly began to box off the back foot and let the Watford fighter off the hook.Joshua capitalised and using his years of experience - and perhaps the emotion - he drew Prenga on to a jab before uncorking a crushing right hand. More rights followed as Prenga collapsed to the canvas and the referee had seen enough.This was 35-year-old Prenga's second loss in his career.It was Joshua's first test against a recognised professional opponent since Daniel Dubois stopped him in September 2024.His only fight since had come against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in December, 10 days before the fatal crash that left him injured.Joshua passed the Prenga test, but not in the manner anyone expected. It was not the destructive, free-flowing champion who once swept opponents aside.'Tonight wasn't about Tyson Fury'|Joshua made his pro debut in 2013 after winning gold at the London 2012 OlympicsAfter defeating 46-year-old Wach in Pattaya, the question of whether Fury would show up to watch Joshua became a subplot of fight night.A Fury lookalike briefly fooled reporters when he stepped out of a taxi, while Fury's manager Spencer Brown insisted the 'Gypsy King' would be "there in spirit".The fight between two of the most recognisable names in British boxing is understood to have been agreed for November.Neither man is at the peak of his powers, but while the commercial appeal remains strong, Joshua's struggles are likely to leave Fury a clear favourite.The bout is expected to stream on Netflix. British fans are hoping for a homecoming event, but it is understood Saudi organisers and broadcasters favour a venue in the United States to cater for American audiences."We've signed the contract. Everything is done," Hearn said."But tonight wasn't about Tyson Fury. It was about the strength Anthony Joshua has shown just to be here."No-one knows what he's been through over the last seven months. When he went down in the first round, I thought he'd come back too soon."