Anthony Joshua is set to make his long‑awaited return to professional boxing on July 25, when he steps into the ring 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‑fight for the British star.
This bout marks Joshua’s first competitive appearance since he resumed training after a devastating car accident in Nigeria last December, an incident that claimed the lives of two close friends and left him physically and emotionally shaken. The announcement of the July 25 fight was made official by Joshua’s promoters, Turki Al‑Alshikh and Eddie Hearn, who also used the occasion to confirm that negotiations with rival heavyweight Tyson Fury have finally been sealed. Both men have hinted that a high‑stakes showdown between Joshua and Fury could take place later in the year, potentially in the fourth quarter of 2026. In a statement, Joshua said, "I’ve taken some time to rebuild and consolidate my game plan, and today is the next step on that journey.
I’m thrilled to have secured a multi‑fight deal that kicks off in Saudi Arabia on July 25. I’m ready to get back in the ring and pick up where I left off. As I’ve always said, the landlord will collect his rent – that’s a certainty." Al‑Alshikh, the Saudi boxing chief, had already hinted at a Joshua‑Fury showdown on social media, writing, "To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening, it’s signed." Hearn echoed this sentiment on Instagram, declaring the paperwork "signed, sealed, delivered" and confirming that AJ vs Fury is officially on the calendar.
Ring Magazine also posted that the bout is a "done deal" and is slated for 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 signed months ago. I don’t know if he signed," Fury remarked after his win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Hearn later told Sky Sports that two potential dates – July and November – have been presented for the Joshua‑Fury clash, and that both fighters would likely schedule tune‑up fights to sharpen their skills ahead of the marquee encounter. Following his dominant performance against Makhmudov, Fury publicly challenged Joshua, calling him the "Gypsy King" and demanding a "Battle of Britain" that fans have long coveted. Fury’s taunt was met with a confident reply from Joshua, who said, "I’ve been chasing you for 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." Regardless of the outcome against Prenga, Joshua’s performance will be closely scrutinized as an indicator of his readiness for a potential fight with Fury – a bout that could become one of the most significant events in British boxing history. The upcoming match against Prenga is therefore more than a simple warm‑up; it is a litmus test for Joshua’s physical recovery, mental resilience, and ability to handle the pressure of a high‑profile fight week.
Kristian Prenga, the challenger, resides in the United States and boasts an impressive record on paper: 20 wins and a single loss, with every victory coming before the final bell. His lone defeat occurred early in his career in 2017 against Giovanni Auriemma. Prenga has spoken confidently about the fight, stating, "Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he miscalculated by choosing me as his opponent.
This bout could change everything for both of us. I know there are big plans after this fight, and I intend to derail them and shock the world in Saudi Arabia." Sky Sports boxing analyst Andy Scott noted that Prenga has become one of the most searched athletes in recent hours, despite not being a household name in the heavyweight division.
Scott emphasized that the bout is essentially a "test‑the‑water" comeback for Joshua, who is still processing the trauma of the car crash that claimed the lives of his friends Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele. "He’s endured the physical trauma, returned to camp, and is taking a measured approach to his comeback.
This fight will gauge how he handles hard sparring, training camp pressures, and the spotlight of a big‑fight week," Scott explained. The Saudi venue is expected to provide a relatively low‑profile environment for Joshua’s return, allowing him to focus on performance rather than media frenzy. Promoters have indicated that the fight is designed for Joshua to secure a victory and rebuild momentum ahead of the anticipated showdown with Fury.
In summary, Anthony Joshua’s July 25 comeback fight against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh serves multiple purposes: it marks his re‑entry into competitive boxing after a tragic accident, offers a platform to assess his current form, and sets the stage for a potentially historic clash with Tyson Fury later in the year. While Prenga presents a credible challenge on paper, the real narrative revolves around Joshua’s resilience, his ability to reclaim his place among the heavyweight elite, and the broader implications for the British boxing landscape as fans eagerly await the next chapter in this long‑running rivalry.