Anthony Joshua is set to make his long‑awaited return to the boxing ring on July 25, when he steps into the Riyadh arena in Saudi Arabia for a comeback fight. The former unified heavyweight champion will face Albanian‑born contender Kristian Prenga in what is being billed as a pivotal test after a difficult period in Joshua’s life. The upcoming contest marks Joshua’s first professional appearance since he resumed training following a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December.
The crash claimed the lives of two of his close friends, a loss that has weighed heavily on the British fighter both emotionally and physically. In the months since the incident, Joshua has taken a measured approach to his rehabilitation, focusing on rebuilding his fitness and confidence before stepping back into the spotlight. Promoters Turki Al‑Alshikh and Eddie Hearn have confirmed that the July 25 bout is the opening chapter of a multi‑fight agreement that will ultimately lead to a showdown with Joshua’s most formidable rival, Tyson Fury, later in the year. In a recent statement, Joshua expressed his readiness, saying, "It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild.
Today is the next step on that journey, and I’m delighted to have secured a multi‑fight deal beginning with the July 25 fight 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." Al‑Alshikh had already hinted at the Fury‑Joshua clash earlier in the week, posting on social media, "To my friends in Great Britain.
It's happening, it's signed," which sparked a wave of speculation. Hearn echoed the sentiment on Instagram, declaring the paperwork "Signed, sealed, delivered!
AJ vs Fury is on!" Ring Magazine later corroborated the deal, noting that the bout is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2026. Joshua’s contract with Fury predates the recent developments; Fury himself confirmed he had already signed his side after his victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov.
"I've signed. I signed months ago. I don’t know if he signed," Fury remarked after his fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, indicating that the final signatures were pending.
Hearn’s recent announcement suggests that all parties have now reached a consensus, paving the way for what could become an era‑defining British heavyweight clash. The July 25 fight against Prenga serves as a low‑key re‑entry for Joshua, allowing him to gauge his condition against a credible opponent without the pressure of a headline‑grabbing showdown. Prenga, who resides 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. In a pre‑fight interview, Prenga acknowledged Joshua’s stature while asserting confidence in his own abilities: "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 they have big plans after this bout, and I intend to derail those plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia." Sky Sports boxing analyst Andy Scott noted the surge in online searches for Prenga, remarking, "He’s probably the most googled athlete in the last hour, because on the surface he isn’t the most well‑known heavyweight. But nobody is pretending this isn’t a test‑the‑water fight for Joshua after the devastating car crash that took his friends Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele." Scott further explained the significance of the fight: "Joshua has endured the physical trauma of the accident, returned to camp, and is taking it slow.
This match will test his training camp progress, his ability to handle hard sparring, and the mental pressure of a big fight week. In Saudi Arabia, it will be a more low‑profile return, but it’s a fight designed for him to win and rebuild his momentum." The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is already filling up with high‑profile matchups, and the Joshua‑Fury showdown is expected to be one of the marquee events. Hearn has indicated that two potential dates—July and November—have been presented for the Fury fight, with the promoter emphasizing that Fury’s recent 12‑round tune‑up against Makhmudov was intended to sharpen him for the next big challenge. After defeating Makhmudov, Fury publicly called out Joshua, stating, "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, saying, "I’ve been chasing you for the last 10 years.
When you’re ready, come and see me and tell me your terms. I’m the boss, you work for me. I’m the landlord.
You work for me." Regardless of the outcome against Prenga, Joshua’s performance will set the tone for the anticipated clash with Fury. A convincing win could accelerate negotiations and solidify the fight’s placement on the 2026 schedule, while a setback might prompt a reassessment of timelines. Fans and pundits alike are watching closely, recognizing that this bout could shape the trajectory of British heavyweight boxing for years to come.
In summary, Anthony Joshua’s July 25 comeback in Riyadh is more than just a return to the ring; it is a strategic stepping stone toward a potentially historic encounter with Tyson Fury. The fight offers Joshua a chance to demonstrate that he has recovered both physically and mentally from the tragedy that sidelined him, while providing Prenga with a platform to make a name for himself on the world stage. All eyes will be on Saudi Arabia as the heavyweight division prepares for what many anticipate to be one of the most compelling narratives in modern boxing.