Anthony Joshua is set to make his long‑awaited return to the ring on July 25, when he steps into the squared circle in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The former unified heavyweight champion will face Albanian‑born contender Kristian Prenga in what is being billed as a comeback test for the British star. This matchup marks Joshua's first fight since he resumed training after the tragic car accident in Nigeria last December, an incident that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends. The loss was a heavy emotional blow, and Joshua has spent the intervening months rebuilding his physical condition and mental resolve before stepping back into competition.
Promoters Turki Alashikh and Eddie Hearn have used the announcement of the July 25 bout to hint at a future showdown with Joshua's long‑time rival, Tyson Fury. Both men have taken to social media to confirm that negotiations for a Joshua‑Fury clash are progressing, with Alashikh posting, "To my friends in Great Britain. It's happening, it's signed," and Hearn echoing the sentiment by declaring the paperwork "Signed, sealed, delivered!
AJ vs Fury is on!" Ring Magazine has also labeled the prospective fight a "done deal," suggesting it will take place in the fourth quarter of 2026. Joshua himself addressed the upcoming fight in a press release, stating, "It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild. 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 underscore a confidence that the Riyadh bout will serve as a stepping stone toward larger ambitions, notably a headline‑grabbing battle with Fury, often dubbed the "Battle of Britain." The Saudi bout will also serve as a low‑profile platform for Joshua to gauge his readiness after the accident.
Sky Sports boxing analyst Andy Scott noted that while Prenga may not be a household name, the fight is essentially a "test‑the‑water" encounter for Joshua, allowing him to assess his conditioning, sparring intensity, and ability to handle the pressures of a major fight week. Kristian Prenga, who resides in the United States, arrives 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 dates back to 2017 against Giovanni Auriemma. Prenga has spoken confidently about the opportunity, saying, "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’m happy about that. I will derail their plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia." The fight will be broadcast via a video player that works best in the Chrome browser, according to the promotional material. In addition to the main event, fans can look forward to a range of boxing‑related content, including the weekly Toe2Toe podcast, highlights, and a contract‑free streaming option through NOW. Fury, fresh off a decisive victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, has already thrown down the gauntlet, publicly challenging Joshua: "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 responded in kind, emphasizing his determination: "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." While the Prenga fight will likely be a relatively low‑key affair compared to a Joshua‑Fury showdown, it remains a crucial moment for Joshua to demonstrate that he can still compete at the highest level after his personal tragedy. The outcome will shape the narrative heading into the anticipated 2026 heavyweight clash that promises to be one of the most significant events in British boxing history.
Should Joshua emerge victorious, the pathway to a Fury bout becomes clearer, with both promoters already indicating that July and November are potential dates for the showdown. Hearn has told Sky Sports that those months have been presented as options and that Fury’s recent tune‑up fight was designed to sharpen him for the next big challenge, mirroring the preparation Joshua is undertaking.
In summary, the July 25 fight in Riyadh serves multiple purposes: it offers Joshua a measured re‑entry into competition, provides Prenga a platform to make a name for himself, and acts as a stepping stone toward a potentially historic encounter with Tyson Fury later in the year. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how the former champion handles the pressure and whether he can reclaim his place among boxing’s elite.