Anthony Joshua is set to make his long‑awaited return to the ring on July 25, when he steps into the octagonal arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a comeback fight against Albanian‑born heavyweight Kristian Prenga. The bout marks the former unified world champion'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 of his closest friends. Joshua’s re‑entry into the sport has been framed as a crucial step in his recovery, both physically and emotionally, and the Saudi event is being billed as the opening chapter of a multi‑fight agreement that could culminate in a showdown with his long‑standing rival, Tyson Fury, later in the year.
In a statement released by his camp, Joshua explained his mindset: "It’s no secret I’ve taken time to rebuild and consolidate my game plan, and today marks the next step on that journey. I’m thrilled to have secured a multi‑fight deal beginning with the July 25 date in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
I’m eager to get back in the ring and pick up where I left off. As I’ve said before, the landlord will collect his rent – that’s a certainty." His comments were echoed by promoter Eddie Hearn, who confirmed on Instagram that the paperwork for the upcoming fight is "signed, sealed, delivered," and added that the larger‑scale clash with Fury is now officially on the calendar. The prospect of a Joshua‑Fury showdown has been circulating for months, and recent social media activity from Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh appears to have cemented the deal.
Alalshikh posted a message to his British followers reading, "To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening, it’s signed," hinting that the much‑anticipated British heavyweight clash will take place in the fourth quarter of 2026. Ring Magazine also reported the bout as a "done deal," citing insider sources that the fight will be scheduled for the latter part of the year, following the conclusion of Joshua’s Saudi bout. Fury himself has been vocal about his desire to face Joshua.
After defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Gypsy King took to the microphone and issued a direct challenge: "I want you, AJ. Let’s give the fans what they want – the Battle of Britain. I challenge you, Anthony Joshua, to fight me next.
Do you accept my challenge?" Joshua responded in kind, acknowledging the decade‑long rivalry and asserting his readiness: "I’ve been chasing you for ten years. When you’re ready, come to me with your terms. I’m the boss; you work for me. I’m the landlord." This exchange has only heightened anticipation for what could become one of the defining moments in British boxing history.
Meanwhile, the opponent Joshua will face on July 25, Kristian Prenga, is a relatively unknown heavyweight based in the United States. On paper, Prenga boasts an impressive 20‑1 record, with all 20 victories coming by stoppage before the final bell.
His sole defeat dates back to 2017, when he lost to Giovanni Auriemma early in his career. Despite his limited name recognition, Prenga is confident, stating, "Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he miscalculated picking me as his opponent.
This fight could change everything for both of us. I know big plans are in place after this bout, and I intend to derail them and shock the world in Saudi Arabia." Sky Sports boxing analyst Andy Scott noted that Prenga has become the most Googled athlete in recent hours, largely due to the unexpected pairing. However, Scott emphasized that the fight should be viewed primarily as a test‑the‑water comeback for Joshua, allowing him to gauge his physical condition and mental readiness after the tragic accident that took the lives of his friends Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele.
"He’s endured significant physical trauma and has been rebuilding his training camp slowly. This Saudi fight is a low‑profile return designed to give him a win and assess his performance under pressure," Scott explained.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated that two potential dates are under consideration for the Joshua‑Fury encounter: July and November of the upcoming year. He told Sky Sports that Fury’s recent tune‑up fight, which lasted twelve crucial rounds, was intended to sharpen him for the eventual clash, and that Joshua’s camp would follow a similar preparation path.
Hearn added that once the paperwork is finalized, the fight will be positioned as a marquee event that could dominate the British sporting calendar. In summary, Anthony Joshua’s July 25 bout in Riyadh serves as both a personal comeback and a strategic stepping stone toward a potentially historic showdown with Tyson Fury. While Prenga presents a credible, knockout‑heavy opponent, the primary narrative surrounding the event is Joshua’s return to form after a period of mourning and rehabilitation.
If Joshua can secure a decisive victory, it will set the stage for a high‑stakes clash with Fury that promises to capture the imagination of boxing fans worldwide and possibly rewrite the legacy of British heavyweight boxing for years to come.