Anthony Joshua is set to make his long‑awaited return to the ring on July 25, stepping inside the ropes in Riyadh, 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 marks Joshua’s first fight since he resumed training after a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December that claimed the lives of two close friends, a tragedy that has weighed heavily on him both emotionally and physically. The announcement of the July 25 bout came alongside confirmation from promoters Turki Alashikh and Eddie Hearn that Joshua’s long‑standing rivalry with Tyson Fury is finally moving toward a concrete date later this year.
In a statement, 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. 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.” Alashikh had already hinted earlier in the week that the Joshua‑Fury showdown was “signed” in a social‑media post addressed to his British friends.
Hearn echoed the sentiment on Instagram, declaring the paperwork “signed, sealed, delivered” and confirming that AJ vs. Fury is officially on the calendar.
Ring Magazine later corroborated the deal, noting that the clash is slated for the fourth quarter of 2026. Fury himself has alluded to the agreement, saying after his recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov that he had signed his side of the contract months ago, though he was uncertain whether Joshua had done the same.
While the ultimate goal for Joshua is to line up the highly anticipated bout with Fury—often billed as a “Battle of Britain”—the immediate focus is the fight against Prenga. The Albanian heavyweight, who now resides in the United States, boasts an impressive record on paper: 20 wins and a single loss, all of his victories coming by knockout before the final bell. His lone defeat dates back to 2017 against Giovanni Auriemma, early in his career. Prenga is confident, stating, “Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he miscalculated by 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 them and shock the world in July.” Sky Sports boxing analyst Andy Scott noted that Prenga has become one of the most searched athletes in recent hours, despite not being a household name in the heavyweight division.
He emphasized that the Joshua‑Prenga matchup is essentially a “test‑the‑water” fight for the British champion, allowing him to gauge his condition after the car crash that took the lives of his friends Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele. Scott added, “Joshua has endured the physical trauma of the accident, returned to camp, and is taking a measured approach to his comeback. This fight in Saudi Arabia will be a relatively low‑profile re‑entry, designed for him to secure a win and rebuild confidence.” The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is already buzzing with speculation about when the year’s marquee events will occur. Fans can stream fights and related content through platforms like NOW, while weekly podcasts such as Toe2Toe keep enthusiasts updated on the latest developments.
Highlight reels and analysis videos continue to draw significant viewership, underscoring the sport’s enduring popularity. Promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated that two potential dates—July and November—have been floated for the Joshua‑Fury clash, with both parties eager to move forward. He explained that Fury’s recent tune‑up against Makhmudov, which lasted a full twelve rounds, was intended to sharpen the Gypsy King for the next big challenge. Fury himself publicly challenged Joshua after that fight, declaring, “I want you, AJ.
Let’s give the fans what they want—the Battle of Britain. I challenge you to fight me next.” Joshua responded in kind, saying, “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 appears poised to head straight into a historic showdown with Fury, a bout that could define an era for British boxing. The stakes are high, the narratives compelling, and the anticipation palpable among fans worldwide.
As the July 25 fight approaches, all eyes will be on Riyadh to see whether Joshua can successfully navigate his comeback and set the stage for what many hope will be an unforgettable clash with the Gypsy King later in the year.