Anthony Joshua is set to make his long‑awaited return to the ring on July 25, when he steps into the Riyadh arena in Saudi Arabia for a comeback fight against Kristian Prenga. This match marks the former unified heavyweight champion's first competitive appearance since he resumed training after a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December that claimed the lives of two close friends. The event has been billed as a crucial stepping stone toward a much‑anticipated clash with longtime rival Tyson Fury later in the year. The announcement came from Joshua's promoters, Turki Alashikh and Eddie Hearn, who confirmed that the July 25 bout is the opening chapter of a multi‑fight agreement that will see the British star back in the spotlight.
Joshua himself 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." Alashikh had already hinted at the larger picture earlier in the week, posting on social media, "To my friends in Great Britain. It's happening, it's signed," which many interpreted as confirmation that the Joshua‑Fury showdown had been finalized. Hearn echoed this sentiment on Instagram, declaring the paperwork "Signed, sealed, delivered! AJ vs Fury is on!" Ring Magazine later corroborated the news, labeling the fight a "done deal" and suggesting it would take place in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Fury, fresh off a decisive victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, has been vocal about his desire to face Joshua, calling it the "Battle of Britain" and urging the former champion to accept his challenge. "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," Fury proclaimed.
Joshua responded in kind, saying, "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." Regardless of the outcome against Prenga, the July 25 contest is widely viewed as a litmus test for Joshua's readiness to take on Fury in what could become an era‑defining bout for British boxing. Kristian Prenga, the Albanian‑born heavyweight based in the United States, arrives with an impressive résumé on paper: 20 wins and a single loss, all of his victories coming before the final bell. His lone defeat dates back to 2017, when he fell to Giovanni Auriemma early in his career. Prenga has expressed confidence, 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, "I mean no disrespect but Kristian Prenga is probably the most googled athlete in the last hour – because, on the surface of things, he's not the best known heavyweight. But nobody is pretending that this is anything other than an Anthony Joshua test‑the‑water comeback fight, because he was involved in the terrible car crash that took the life of his two great friends, Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele. He's gone through the physical trauma of the car accident.
He has to go back into camp, which he has done, and he's taking it slow. This will be the test to see how he gets on in the training camp, hard sparring, and the pressure of a big fight week.
In Saudi Arabia, it will be a more low‑profile return for Joshua. It's a fight that they've made that he should win." The Saudi venue adds an extra layer of intrigue, as the Kingdom has been positioning itself as a new hub for high‑profile boxing events. The fight is expected to be streamed via the NOW platform, offering fans a contract‑free viewing experience, and will be accompanied by promotional content across social media and boxing podcasts such as Toe2Toe. From a broader perspective, Joshua's comeback serves multiple purposes.
Firstly, it provides the heavyweight champion with a controlled environment to gauge his physical condition after months of rehabilitation. Secondly, it offers a platform to demonstrate that he can still perform at an elite level, reassuring promoters, sponsors, and fans alike. Finally, it sets the stage for the much‑talked‑about showdown with Fury, a bout that could dominate the sporting calendar and generate substantial revenue for both fighters and their respective backers.
In the weeks leading up to the Riyadh event, both camps are expected to fine‑tune their training regimens. Joshua's team will likely focus on rebuilding stamina, sharpening his jab, and ensuring his defensive instincts are back to peak form.
Prenga, on the other hand, will aim to leverage his unbeaten streak and exploit any perceived rust in Joshua's timing. The fight also carries emotional weight.
Joshua has spoken openly about the grief he endured after losing his friends in the accident, describing the experience as a turning point in his life. Returning to the ring is not just a professional milestone but also a personal catharsis, a way to honor their memory by continuing the career they helped shape. As the July 25 date approaches, anticipation builds among boxing enthusiasts worldwide.
The matchup promises to deliver a blend of technical skill, raw power, and narrative drama—a perfect recipe for a compelling comeback story. Whether Joshua secures a decisive victory or faces unexpected challenges, the bout will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of his career and set the tone for the heavyweight landscape leading into the anticipated Joshua‑Fury clash later in 2026.