Anthony Joshua is set to make his long‑awaited return to the boxing ring on July 25, with the fight slated to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The former unified heavyweight champion will face Albanian‑born, U.S.-based contender Kristian Prenga in what is being billed as a comeback test for the British star.
This marks Joshua’s first competitive appearance since he resumed training after a devastating car accident in Nigeria last December, an incident that tragically claimed the lives of two of his close friends. The announcement of the July 25 bout came alongside confirmation from promoters Turki Alashikh and Eddie Hearn that a much‑anticipated showdown between Joshua and his long‑time rival Tyson Fury is now on the horizon for later this year. In a statement, Joshua explained his mindset: "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 Fury‑Joshua matchup earlier in the week, posting on social media: "To my friends in Great Britain.
It’s happening, it’s signed." Hearn echoed the excitement on Instagram, declaring the paperwork "Signed, sealed, delivered! AJ vs Fury is on!" Ring Magazine later confirmed the bout as a "done deal," noting that the clash is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2026. According to reports, Fury already signed his side of the contract after his recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Fury remarked after that fight, "I’ve signed. I signed months ago. I don’t know if he signed," adding that he was eager to face Joshua next. Hearn’s latest announcement appears to solidify that both camps have reached a final agreement, paving the way for what many are calling a "Battle of Britain" that could define an era of British heavyweight boxing.
In the meantime, Joshua’s immediate focus is on the fight against Prenga. The Albanian heavyweight, who currently 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, then a 1‑2 prospect. Prenga is confident, 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, "Kristian Prenga is probably the most googled athlete in the last hour – because, on the surface, he’s not the best‑known heavyweight. But nobody is pretending 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 accident, returned to camp, and is taking it slow." The upcoming bout serves several purposes for Joshua. First, it will provide a measurable indicator of his physical recovery after the crash, including his ability to handle hard sparring and the rigors of a full training camp. Second, it offers a low‑profile platform to rebuild confidence before stepping onto a larger stage against Fury.
Third, a victory would cement his status as a top contender and keep the momentum of the multi‑fight deal alive. From a promotional standpoint, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a burgeoning hub for high‑profile boxing events, offering lucrative financial incentives and state‑of‑the‑art facilities. The Kingdom’s investment in sports is part of a broader strategy to diversify its economy and increase global visibility.
For Joshua, the location provides a neutral ground away from the intense media scrutiny of the UK, allowing him to focus on performance. Beyond the immediate fight, the broader narrative includes the anticipated AJ‑Fury clash, which has been a subject of speculation for over a decade. Both fighters have exchanged verbal challenges over the years, with Fury famously saying after his win over Makhmudov, "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." If Joshua can secure a convincing win over Prenga, it will set the stage for a high‑stakes showdown with Fury that could dominate boxing headlines worldwide. The fight would likely draw massive pay‑per‑view numbers, attract sponsorships, and generate significant economic activity for the host nation.
Moreover, a victory would reinforce Joshua’s legacy as one of Britain’s most successful heavyweight champions, while a loss could raise questions about his long‑term viability at the elite level. In summary, the July 25 contest in Riyadh is more than a simple comeback; it is a pivotal moment that will determine the trajectory of Anthony Joshua’s career post‑accident. It offers a chance for him to demonstrate his physical readiness, mental resilience, and competitive hunger.
At the same time, it serves as a stepping stone toward the ultimate prize—a clash with Tyson Fury that promises to be one of the biggest events in British boxing history. Whether Joshua emerges victorious against Prenga or not, the path ahead leads inevitably toward that headline‑making showdown, a bout that could reshape the heavyweight landscape for years to come.