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. The former unified heavyweight champion will face Albanian‑born contender Kristian Prenga in what is being billed as a pivotal test after a difficult period in Joshua’s life. The fight marks Joshua’s first competitive appearance since he resumed training following a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December.
The crash claimed the lives of two of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele, and left Joshua to grapple with both emotional and physical recovery. After months of rehabilitation and a cautious rebuilding of his conditioning, the British fighter has now confirmed that he is ready to re‑enter the spotlight.
In a statement released alongside the fight announcement, Joshua explained his mindset: “It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild so I’m ready to step 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.” Promoters Turki Al‑Alshikh and Eddie Hearn have also used the occasion to confirm that a much‑anticipated showdown with longtime rival Tyson Fury is now moving forward.
Al‑Alshikh hinted at the upcoming clash on social media, writing, “To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening, it’s signed.” Hearn echoed the sentiment on Instagram, declaring the paperwork “signed, sealed, delivered” and confirming that the Joshua‑Fury bout is slated for the fourth quarter of 2026. Both camps have previously hinted at a contractual agreement.
Fury, fresh from a decisive victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, publicly challenged Joshua, calling the matchup the “Battle of Britain.” He said, “I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua. Let’s give the fans what they want – the Gypsy King versus the British Lion. Do you accept my challenge?” Joshua responded in kind, noting that he has been chasing Fury for a decade and that the terms will be set when Fury is ready.
Regardless of the outcome against Prenga, the July 25 bout is widely viewed as a stepping stone toward that historic confrontation. Boxing analysts suggest that a successful return will cement Joshua’s position as a viable opponent for Fury and set the stage for what could become one of the biggest events in British boxing history. Kristian Prenga, the opponent for Joshua’s comeback, is a 28‑year‑old heavyweight based in the United States but originally from Albania. On paper, Prenga boasts a solid record of 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 early in his career. Prenga has spoken confidently about the fight, 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 there are big plans after this bout, and I intend to derail them and shock the world in Saudi Arabia.” Sky Sports boxing expert Andy Scott noted that Prenga may be the most searched heavyweight in recent hours, despite not being a household name. “No one pretends this isn’t a test‑the‑waters fight for Joshua,” Scott said. “He’s coming back from a terrible car crash that took his two close friends.
He’s had to rebuild physically and mentally, and this fight will gauge how well he’s progressed in camp, hard sparring, and handling the pressure of a big‑fight week. In Saudi Arabia, it will be a relatively low‑profile return, but the expectation is that Joshua should win.” The fight will be broadcast with a recommendation for viewers to use the Chrome browser for an optimal video player experience.
In addition to the main event, promoters are marketing a broader boxing schedule for 2026, promising more high‑profile match‑ups and streaming options through platforms like NOW. Fans can also follow weekly discussions on the Toe2Toe podcast and stay updated with the latest highlights and analysis. The upcoming Joshua‑Prenga bout serves multiple purposes: it offers Joshua a measured re‑entry into competition, provides Prenga a massive platform to showcase his abilities, and continues to build momentum toward the eventual Joshua‑Fury showdown.
With both fighters preparing diligently, the July 25 fight promises to be a compelling narrative of resilience, ambition, and the ever‑evolving landscape of heavyweight boxing.