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 for a comeback bout. The former unified heavyweight champion will face Albanian‑born contender Kristian Prenga, a fighter who has built an impressive record while based in the United States. This match 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 of his closest friends.
The announcement of the July 25 fight was accompanied by statements from two of the sport’s most influential promoters, Turki Al‑Alashikh and Eddie Hearn. Both men confirmed that the bout against Prenga is merely the opening chapter of a larger plan that includes a highly anticipated showdown with Joshua’s long‑time rival, Tyson Fury, later in the year. In a press statement, Joshua explained his mindset: “It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild, to be ready for stepping back into the ring. Today is the next step on that journey.
I’m delighted to have agreed to a multi‑fight deal that starts in Saudi Arabia on July 25. 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.” Al‑Alashikh had already stoked speculation earlier in the week by posting on social media, “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 AJ vs.
Fury clash is officially on the calendar. Ring Magazine also weighed in, labeling the fight a “done deal” and indicating that it will take place in the fourth quarter of 2026. Joshua’s contract with Fury predates the recent developments; Fury himself confirmed that he had already signed his side of the agreement after a dominant victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov.
“I’ve signed. I signed months ago.
I don’t know if he signed,” Fury remarked after the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium bout, hinting at some lingering uncertainty. Hearn’s latest announcement appears to settle any doubts, confirming that all parties are now aligned and the fight is moving forward.
In earlier interviews, Hearn told Sky Sports that the two potential dates on the table are July and November, with both being viable windows for the much‑talked‑about clash. He added, “Fury just had his tune‑up fight – twelve really vital rounds – to sharpen him for the next one, and I expect us to do the same.” After Fury out‑pointed Makhmudov, he directly challenged Joshua, saying, “I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua. 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’s response was equally emphatic: “I’ve been chasing you for the last ten years. When you’re ready, come see me and tell me your terms and conditions. I’m the boss, you work for me.
I’m the landlord. You work for me.” Whether Joshua defeats Prenga or not, the outcome will set the tone for the looming showdown with Fury – a bout that promises to be an era‑defining moment in British boxing history.
Kristian Prenga, though not a household name, boasts a solid professional record of 20 wins and a single loss, with every victory coming by way of knockout or stoppage before the final bell. His lone defeat occurred early in his career in 2017 against Giovanni Auriemma. Prenga has spoken confidently about the upcoming fight, stating, “Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation picking me as his opponent.
This fight could change everything in my life and his. I know they have big plans after this bout. I’m happy about that.
I will derail their plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia.” Sky Sports boxing analyst Andy Scott noted, “Kristian Prenga is probably the most googled athlete in the last hour – because, on the surface, he’s not the best‑known heavyweight. But nobody is pretending this is anything other than an Anthony Joshua test‑the‑water comeback fight.” Scott also highlighted the emotional backdrop to Joshua’s return. “He was involved in the terrible car crash that took the lives of his two great friends, Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele.
Those were close friends. He’s endured the physical trauma of the accident, has gone back to camp, and is taking it slow. This fight will test how he handles training camp, hard sparring, and the pressure of a big fight week.
In Saudi Arabia, it will be a lower‑profile return, but it’s a fight they expect him to win.” The upcoming July 25 event therefore serves multiple purposes: it offers Joshua a measured re‑entry into competition, provides Prenga with a platform to showcase his power on a global stage, and lays the groundwork for a blockbuster clash with Fury later in the year. Fans can anticipate a night of high stakes in Riyadh, where the former champion will look to prove that he has recovered both physically and mentally from the tragedy that sidelined him. If he can secure a convincing victory over Prenga, the path to a historic British heavyweight showdown will be clearer than ever, setting the stage for what could become one of the most talked‑about fights in the sport’s recent memory.