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. The former unified heavyweight champion will face Albanian‑born contender Kristian Prenga in what is being billed as a comeback test for the British star.
This fight marks Joshua’s first appearance since he resumed training after a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December, an incident that claimed the lives of two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele. The announcement of the July 25 bout was accompanied by a flurry of statements from the sport’s biggest promoters. Turki Al‑Alshikh, the Saudi boxing chief, and Eddie Hearn, who runs Matchroom Boxing, both confirmed that the fight is part of a broader multi‑fight agreement that will eventually lead to a showdown with Joshua’s long‑standing rival, Tyson Fury, later in the year. In a press release Joshua said, "It’s no secret I’ve taken time to rebuild and consolidate my game.
Today is the next step on that journey. I’m delighted to have signed a multi‑fight deal that opens with July 25 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I’m eager to get back in the ring and pick up where I left off. As I always say, the landlord will collect his rent – that’s a certainty." Al‑Alshikh had already hinted at the eventual Fury‑Joshua clash on social media, posting, "To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening, it’s signed." Hearn echoed the sentiment on Instagram, writing, "Signed, sealed, delivered!
AJ vs Fury is on!" Ring Magazine later confirmed the bout as a "done deal," noting that the fight is slated for the fourth quarter of 2026. Fury himself has previously indicated that a contract was already in place. After his recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Fury told reporters, "I’ve signed. I signed months ago.
I don’t know if he signed," referring to Joshua’s side of the paperwork. Hearn’s latest announcement appears to cement the agreement, stating that July and November are the two dates currently on the table and that both camps are moving forward.
The lead‑up to the Saudi bout has been peppered with back‑and‑forth between the two British heavyweights. After Fury outpointed Makhmudov, he publicly challenged Joshua, saying, "I want you, AJ. Let’s give the 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, "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." Regardless of the outcome against Prenga, Joshua’s performance will be closely scrutinised as a barometer for his readiness to take on Fury in what could become an era‑defining contest for British boxing.
Kristian Prenga, though relatively unknown to the casual fan, boasts an impressive record on paper: 20 wins and a single loss, all victories coming by stoppage before the final bell. His lone defeat occurred early in his career in 2017 against Giovanni Auriemma.
Prenga, who now resides in the United States, sees the fight as a career‑changing opportunity. "Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation picking me as his opponent. This fight could change everything for both of us. I know they have big plans after this fight, and I intend to derail them and shock the world in July in Saudi Arabia," he declared.
Sky Sports boxing analyst Andy Scott noted, "Kristian Prenga may be the most googled athlete in the last hour, but he’s not a household heavyweight name. This is clearly a Joshua test‑the‑water comeback fight, especially after the devastating car crash that took his two close friends.
He’s endured physical trauma, returned to camp, and is taking a measured approach to his comeback." The fight will be staged in a relatively low‑key environment compared with Joshua’s previous high‑profile events, providing him with a platform to gauge his conditioning, sparring progress, and mental readiness without the overwhelming pressure of a massive home crowd. Experts expect Joshua to dominate the bout, using it as a springboard toward the much‑anticipated clash with Fury.
Fans are encouraged to watch the event using a Chrome browser for the most accessible video player. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 continues to fill out, with major fights slated throughout the year, and streaming options such as NOW offering contract‑free access to boxing and other sports. Additionally, the Toe2Toe podcast provides weekly insights into the sport, while Ring Magazine and other outlets keep audiences updated on the latest developments.
In summary, Anthony Joshua’s July 25 fight in Riyadh against Kristian Prenga serves as a crucial stepping stone in his return to elite competition. It allows him to test his physical and mental recovery after a tragic accident, while also positioning him for a potentially historic showdown with Tyson Fury later in the year.
The bout promises to deliver excitement for boxing enthusiasts and set the stage for what could be one of the biggest British heavyweight matchups in recent memory.