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 Albanian‑born heavyweight Kristian Prenga. The bout marks Joshua's first competitive appearance since he resumed training following a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December, an incident that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends. The upcoming contest is being billed as a crucial test of Joshua's physical and mental recovery, as well as a stepping stone toward a much‑anticipated showdown with his long‑time rival, Tyson Fury, later in the year. The announcement of the July 25 fight was made official by promoters Turki Alashikh, the Saudi boxing chief, and Eddie Hearn, who together confirmed that a multi‑fight agreement has been signed, kicking off with the Saudi event.
In a press statement, Joshua explained his mindset: "I've taken the necessary time to rebuild and consolidate my game plan, and today marks the next step on that journey. I'm thrilled to have secured a multi‑fight deal that begins in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on July 25.
I'm eager to get back in the ring and pick up where I left off. As I like to say, the landlord will collect his rent – that is a certainty." Alashikh had already hinted at the larger picture on social media, posting, "To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening, it’s signed," a clear reference to the looming Joshua‑Fury clash.
Eddie Hearn echoed this sentiment on Instagram, declaring the paperwork "Signed, sealed, delivered! AJ vs Fury is on!" Ring Magazine also weighed in, labeling the fight a "done deal" slated for the fourth quarter of 2026. Fury himself confirmed his side of the agreement after his recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov, stating, "I've signed.
I signed months ago. I don’t know if he signed," a cryptic comment that has only heightened speculation.
While the Fury showdown looms large, the immediate focus remains on Joshua's preparation for Prenga. The Albanian heavyweight, who resides in the United States, boasts an impressive record on paper: 20 wins and a single loss, with every victory coming before the final bell.
His lone defeat dates back to 2017, when he was stopped by Giovanni Auriemma. Prenga has been vocal about the opportunity, saying, "Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he miscalculated by choosing me as his opponent.
This fight could change everything for both of us. I know there are big plans after this bout, and I intend to derail them and shock the world in Saudi Arabia." Sky Sports boxing analyst Andy Scott noted the surge in online searches for Prenga, remarking, "He may be the most googled athlete in the last hour, but he isn’t the most renowned heavyweight. Yet, everyone knows this is essentially a test‑the‑waters fight for Joshua after his devastating car crash that took the lives of his friends Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele." The tragic accident in December 2023 left Joshua with both physical injuries and profound emotional trauma.
He lost two dear friends, and the crash forced him to step away from training for several months. According to Hearn, the champion has now re‑entered camp, taking a measured approach to rebuilding his conditioning, sparring routine, and overall fight readiness.
"July and November are the two dates that have been presented to us now and we expect to move forward," Hearn told Sky Sports, adding that Fury's recent 12‑round tune‑up against Makhmudov was designed to sharpen him for the eventual clash with Joshua. Fury, known as the "Gypsy King," has been vocal about his desire to face Joshua, calling it a "Battle of Britain" that fans have been yearning for.
After his victory over Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Fury issued a direct challenge: "I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua. Let's give the fight fans what they want – the Battle of Britain. I challenge you to fight me next. Do you accept my challenge?" Joshua responded with a blend of confidence and bravado, saying, "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." If Joshua can secure a convincing win over Prenga, it will not only restore confidence in his abilities but also set the stage for the monumental Joshua‑Fury encounter, a bout that promises to be one of the biggest events in British boxing history.
The Saudi fight is expected to be a relatively low‑profile affair compared with the hype surrounding the Fury showdown, providing Joshua with a controlled environment to gauge his performance after months away from the sport. Prenga's preparation for the fight has been meticulous. He has been training in the United States under seasoned coaches, focusing on power punching, defensive movement, and stamina.
Although he lacks the name recognition of a heavyweight champion, his unbeaten streak and knockout ratio make him a legitimate test for any returning contender. In interviews, Prenga has emphasized his respect for Joshua while also highlighting his own ambitions: "I know they have big plans 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." The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is already shaping up, with several high‑profile matchups slated throughout the year. Streaming platforms such as NOW are promoting contract‑free boxing broadcasts, while podcasts like Toe2Toe continue to deliver weekly analysis and insider commentary. Fans can also look forward to curated highlight reels and video content that capture the sport's most electrifying moments.
In summary, Joshua's July 25 comeback against Kristian Prenga serves as a pivotal moment in his career. It offers a chance to demonstrate that he has recovered both physically and mentally from the tragic accident, while also providing a platform to build momentum toward a potential showdown with Tyson Fury later in the year.
The fight in Riyadh will be closely watched by boxing enthusiasts worldwide, not only for the immediate result but also for the implications it holds for the future of heavyweight boxing.