Anthony Joshua is set to make his long‑awaited return to the ring on July 25, stepping into the squared circle in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The former unified heavyweight champion will face Albanian‑born, U.S.-based contender Kristian Prenga in what has been billed as a comeback test for the British star. This bout marks Joshua’s first competitive appearance since he resumed training after a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December, an incident that claimed the lives of two of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele. The loss left the boxer not only grieving but also dealing with physical injuries that required a careful rehabilitation program.
Over the past months Joshua has been rebuilding his fitness, re‑establishing his routine in the gym, and gradually increasing the intensity of his sparring sessions. He has described this period as a necessary consolidation phase, allowing him to regain confidence and sharpen his skills before stepping back into the spotlight. In a statement released alongside the official fight announcement, Joshua said, "It's no secret I've taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back into the ring and today is the next step on that journey. I'm delighted to have agreed a multi‑fight deal starting with July 25 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
I'm looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off. As I said: The landlord will collect his rent. That is certain." His remarks underline a determined mindset and hint at a broader plan that extends beyond this single event.
The fight was confirmed by two of the sport’s most influential promoters: Turki Al‑Alshikh, the Saudi boxing chief, and Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. Both have hinted that the July 25 bout is merely the opening act of a larger narrative that will culminate later in the year with a showdown between Joshua and his long‑time rival, Tyson Fury.
Al‑Alshikh sparked speculation on Monday when he posted on social media, "To my friends in Great Britain. It's happening, it's signed," suggesting that the much‑anticipated Joshua‑Fury clash had already been sealed. Hearn echoed this sentiment on Instagram, declaring the paperwork "Signed, sealed, delivered! AJ vs Fury is on!".
Ring Magazine has also weighed in, labeling the Fury fight a "done deal" and indicating that it will likely take place in the fourth quarter of 2026. Fury himself confirmed that he had already signed his side of the agreement after his recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, saying, "I've signed. I signed months ago. I don't know if he signed." While Fury’s exact timing remains unclear, the consensus among promoters is that the two heavyweight titans will meet before the end of the year, creating what many are calling the "Battle of Britain".
In the lead‑up to the Saudi bout, Hearn told Sky Sports that the promotion had been presented with two possible dates – July and November – and that they were leaning toward moving forward with the earlier slot. He added that Fury’s recent 12‑round tune‑up was designed to sharpen him for the eventual clash, and that Joshua would follow a similar preparation path. Kristian Prenga, Joshua’s opponent, enters the fight with an impressive record on paper: 20 wins and a single loss, all of his victories coming by way of stoppage before the final bell. His lone defeat occurred early in his career in 2017 against Giovanni Auriemma.
Prenga, who has been training in the United States, acknowledges the magnitude of the opportunity, stating, "Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent. This is the kind of fight that changes everything in my life and his.
I know they have big plans ahead after this fight. I know they are overlooking me. I'm happy about that. I will derail their plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia." Sky Sports boxing analyst Andy Scott noted that Prenga has become one of the most searched athletes in recent hours, despite not being a household name in heavyweight boxing.
"But nobody is pretending that this is anything other than an Anthony Joshua test‑the‑water comeback fight," Scott explained, emphasizing that the primary narrative revolves around Joshua’s recovery and readiness after his accident. The fight itself is expected to be a relatively low‑key affair compared with the massive hype surrounding a potential Joshua‑Fury showdown.
It will give Joshua a platform to gauge his current physical condition, test his sparring intensity, and handle the pressure of a high‑stakes fight week without the overwhelming glare of a global pay‑per‑view event. According to boxing insiders, the Saudi promoters have deliberately positioned the bout as a stepping stone, ensuring that Joshua emerges victorious and confident heading into the next phase of his career. If Joshua succeeds against Prenga, the path to Fury becomes clearer. The rivalry between the two British heavyweights has been simmering for over a decade, with each fighter trading barbs and expressing mutual respect in equal measure.
Fury recently challenged Joshua directly after his win over Makhmudov, declaring, "I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua. Let's give the fight 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’s response was equally pointed: "I've been chasing you the last 10 years, when you're ready you come and see me and tell me your terms and conditions.
I'm the boss, you work for me. I'm the landlord.
You work for me." Whether the July 25 fight ends in a decisive victory, a close decision, or an unexpected upset, it will undeniably serve as a pivotal moment in Joshua’s comeback journey. The bout will not only test his physical resilience after the car crash but also his mental fortitude as he re‑establishes himself among the sport’s elite. For fans and pundits alike, the event offers a glimpse into the future trajectory of heavyweight boxing, setting the stage for what could become one of the most significant British match‑ups in recent memory.
In summary, Anthony Joshua’s upcoming clash with Kristian Prenga in Riyadh is more than a simple warm‑up; it is a strategically crafted comeback that aligns with a broader vision of reclaiming his place at the summit of the heavyweight division and eventually confronting Tyson Fury in a bout that promises to capture worldwide attention. The fight promises to deliver drama, high stakes, and a clear indicator of where Joshua stands as he prepares for the next chapter of his storied career.