Anthony Joshua is set to make his long‑awaited return to the boxing ring on July 25, when he steps into the Riyadh arena in Saudi Arabia. The former unified heavyweight champion will face Albanian‑born contender Kristian Prenga in what is being billed as a comeback test‑fight.
This marks Joshua’s first competitive outing since he resumed training after a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December, an incident that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and left him physically and emotionally shaken. The announcement of the July 25 fight was accompanied by fresh confirmation from Joshua’s promoters, Turki Al‑Alashikh and Eddie Hearn, that a much‑anticipated showdown with rival Tyson Fury is now moving from speculation to reality. Both promoters have taken to social media to declare that the paperwork for the Joshua‑Fury bout has been signed, sealed and delivered, with the fight slated for the fourth quarter of 2026. Hearn has hinted that the two possible dates on the calendar are in July and November, suggesting a flexible timeline that will accommodate both fighters’ preparation schedules.
Joshua himself expressed his enthusiasm in a press statement, saying, “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, though peppered with a cryptic metaphor about a landlord, clearly signal his confidence that the upcoming fight will serve as a springboard toward the larger, career‑defining clash with Fury.
The Saudi boxing chief, Turki Al‑Alashikh, had already stoked rumors on Monday by posting on his social channels, “To my friends in Great Britain. It’s happening, it’s signed.” This was quickly echoed by Hearn on Instagram, where he proclaimed the deal was finalised and that the Joshua‑Fury encounter was officially on the books.
Ring Magazine later confirmed the same, noting that the bout would likely take place in the final quarter of 2026, cementing the fight as one of the biggest events in British boxing history. Fury, fresh off a hard‑fought victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, has not been shy about calling out Joshua. After the fight, the Gypsy King declared, “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.” He later added, “Do you accept my challenge?” Joshua’s response was equally bold: “I’ve been chasing you for the last ten years. When you’re ready, come see me and tell me your terms. I’m the boss, you work for me.
I’m the landlord.” These exchanges have only heightened anticipation for what many expect to be a historic showdown. Regardless of the outcome against Prenga, Joshua’s performance will be scrutinised as a barometer of his readiness for a Fury clash. The Prenga bout is being framed as a low‑profile, test‑the‑waters fight, allowing Joshua to gauge his physical condition, sharpen his skills in hard sparring, and manage the pressures of a major fight week after a long lay‑off. Sky Sports boxing analyst Andy Scott noted, “Kristian Prenga may be the most googled athlete in the last hour, but he isn’t the most well‑known heavyweight.
This is essentially an Anthony Joshua comeback fight, designed for him to win and prove he’s back.” Kristian Prenga, who resides in the United States but represents Albania, brings 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 against Giovanni Auriemma. Prenga has spoken confidently about the opportunity, stating, “Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent.
This fight could change everything for both of us. I know they have big plans after this bout, and I intend to derail those plans and shock the world in Saudi Arabia.” The broader context of Joshua’s comeback cannot be ignored.
The December car crash that took the lives of his friends Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele left him dealing with both physical trauma and profound grief. He has since returned to the gym, taking a measured approach to rebuilding his conditioning and confidence.
Boxing experts suggest that the Riyadh fight will serve as a crucial indicator of how well Joshua has recovered, both mentally and physically, and whether he can handle the rigors of a high‑stakes fight against a top‑tier opponent like Fury. From a promotional standpoint, the Saudi Arabian venue offers a strategic advantage. The country has been investing heavily in high‑profile sporting events, and hosting Joshua’s return aligns with its goal of positioning itself as a hub for marquee boxing matches.
The event is expected to attract a global audience, especially given the added intrigue of the looming Joshua‑Fury showdown. In summary, Anthony Joshua’s July 25 fight against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh marks a pivotal moment in his career. It is a carefully staged comeback designed to test his readiness after a tragic accident, while simultaneously setting the stage for a potential clash with Tyson Fury later in the year.
The fight promises to deliver drama both inside and outside the ring, as Joshua seeks to re‑establish himself as a dominant force in the heavyweight division and fulfill the long‑standing desire of British boxing fans for a decisive Battle of Britain.