Anthony Joshua is set to make his long‑awaited return to the ring on July 25, stepping back into the squared circle in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The former unified heavyweight champion will face Albanian‑born contender Kristian Prenga in what will be his first bout since resuming training after a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December that claimed the lives of two close friends. Joshua’s comeback has been officially confirmed by his promoter Eddie Hearn and Saudi boxing authority chief Turki Alashikh, who also hinted that the long‑standing rivalry with Tyson Fury is finally moving toward fruition later this year.
In a press statement Joshua explained his mindset ahead of the July 25 showdown: “It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild, to be ready for stepping back into the ring, and today marks the next step on that journey. I’m delighted to have secured a multi‑fight agreement starting with this bout in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off. As I’ve said before, the landlord will collect his rent – that’s a certainty.” Alashikh had already stoked speculation on Monday by posting on social media that the much‑rumoured Joshua‑Fury clash was "signed" and imminent, writing, “To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening, it’s signed.” Hearn echoed this sentiment on Instagram, declaring the paperwork "signed, sealed, delivered" and confirming that a Joshua‑Fury showdown is now officially on the books.
Ring Magazine later corroborated the news on X, labeling the fight a "done deal" slated for the fourth quarter of 2026. The background to the Fury‑Joshua matchup is rooted in a pre‑existing contract that Fury reportedly signed months ago after his recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov. Fury himself confirmed having signed his side of the agreement, though he admitted uncertainty about Joshua’s signature: “I’ve signed. I signed months ago.
I don’t know if he signed,” he said after the Makhmudov fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Hearn’s latest announcement appears to cement the agreement, indicating that all parties are now aligned on the fight’s logistics. In earlier remarks to Sky Sports, Hearn mentioned two potential dates – July and November – that have been floated for the headline clash, suggesting the promoters are ready to move forward once the calendar is finalised.
He added, “Fury just had his tune‑up fight, twelve vital rounds to sharpen him for the next one, and I expect us to do the same.” The rivalry between the two British heavyweights intensified after Fury’s dominant performance over Makhmudov, when he publicly challenged Joshua: “I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua. Let’s give the fans what they want – the Battle of Britain. I challenge you, Anthony Joshua, to fight me, the Gypsy King, next. Do you accept my challenge?” Joshua responded in kind, noting a decade‑long pursuit: “I’ve been chasing you for the last ten years.
When you’re ready, come see me and lay out your terms. I’m the boss, you work for me. I’m the landlord.” Regardless of the outcome against Prenga, Joshua appears poised to face Fury in what many anticipate will be an era‑defining contest, potentially one of the most significant bouts in British boxing history. Kristian Prenga, a 27‑year‑old Albanian fighter based in the United States, boasts an impressive record on paper: 20 wins and a single loss, with every victory coming by stoppage before the final bell.
His lone defeat occurred early in his career in 2017 against Giovanni Auriemma, who was then ranked 1‑2 in the division. Prenga expressed confidence ahead of the Saudi bout, stating, “Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent.
This fight could change everything for both of us. I know big plans are in place after this fight, and I’m ready to derail them and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia.” The upcoming event is being promoted as a key step in Joshua’s road back to the elite level, offering him a platform to test his conditioning and sharpen his skills after a prolonged lay‑off.
It also serves as a strategic move for his management, who have secured a multi‑fight deal that positions Joshua for high‑profile match‑ups, including the coveted clash with Fury. Fans can expect the fight to be streamed via the NOW platform, with additional coverage and analysis available through the Toe2Toe podcast and various boxing highlight reels.
While the promotional material repeatedly advises viewers to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback, the core narrative remains clear: Anthony Joshua is ready to re‑enter the heavyweight arena, and his performance against Kristian Prenga will set the tone for what could become a historic showdown with Tyson Fury later in the year. The boxing world will be watching closely as the former champion seeks to reclaim his place at the top of the sport.