Anthony Joshua is set to make his long‑awaited return to professional boxing on July 25, when he steps into the ring 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 after a tragic period in his personal life. The fight marks Joshua’s first competitive outing since he resumed training following a devastating car accident in Nigeria last December. The crash claimed the lives of two of his closest friends, Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele, and left the fighter dealing with both emotional and physical recovery.
Over the past months Joshua has been rebuilding his fitness, re‑establishing his routine in the gym, and carefully selecting a suitable opponent to gauge his readiness for the next stage of his career. Promoters Turki Al‑Alshikh and Eddie Hearn have confirmed that the July 25 bout is only the opening chapter of a multi‑fight agreement that will ultimately lead to a showdown with Joshua’s long‑time rival, Tyson Fury. Al‑Alshikh hinted at the larger plan earlier in the week, posting on social media that the much‑anticipated clash with Fury is "signed" and will take place later in the year.
Hearn echoed this sentiment, sharing an Instagram story that read, "Signed, sealed, delivered! AJ vs Fury is on!" Ring Magazine has also reported that the Fury‑Joshua fight is a "done deal," slated for the fourth quarter of 2026.
In a press statement, Joshua expressed his excitement about the upcoming fight and the broader roadmap for his comeback. "It’s no secret I’ve taken time to consolidate and rebuild," he said. "Today is the next step on that journey.
I’m delighted to have agreed to 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 always say, the landlord will collect his rent – that is certain." The opponent, Kristian Prenga, is a 28‑year‑old heavyweight based in the United States but originally from Albania. On paper Prenga boasts an impressive record of 20 wins and a single loss, with every victory coming by stoppage before the final bell.
His lone defeat dates back to 2017, when he was outpointed by Giovanni Auriemma early in his career. Despite his limited name recognition in the heavyweight division, Prenga has generated considerable buzz, with Sky Sports boxing analyst Andy Scott noting that he may be "the most googled athlete in the last hour" simply because of the unexpected matchup.
Prenga himself is confident, describing Joshua as a "great fighter" but insisting that the British star has "made a terrible miscalculation" by choosing him as an opponent. He claims the bout could be a turning point for both fighters, stating, "I know they have big plans after this fight.
I know they are overlooking me. I’m happy about that. I will derail their plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia." The fight is being positioned as a low‑key, yet crucial, test for Joshua. Sky Sports' Andy Scott emphasized that this is essentially a "test‑the‑water" bout, designed to assess Joshua’s conditioning after his accident, his ability to handle hard sparring, and his mental fortitude under the pressure of a major fight week.
The Saudi venue will provide a relatively subdued environment compared to the massive crowds Joshua is accustomed to in the UK, allowing him to focus on performance without the added weight of a home‑nation expectation. In parallel, the broader heavyweight landscape is heating up.
After a dominant performance against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Fury publicly challenged Joshua, calling him the "Gypsy King" and urging a "Battle of Britain" that fans have long desired. Fury’s remarks, "I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua.
Let’s give the fight fans what they want – the Battle of Britain," have added fuel to the speculation that the two titans will finally clash later this year. Fury has hinted that his next fight will serve as a tune‑up, mirroring Joshua’s own preparation strategy.
Both promoters have indicated that July and November are the primary windows being considered for the Fury‑Joshua showdown, with Hearn confirming to Sky Sports that the dates have been presented and negotiations are moving forward. The consensus among insiders is that the July 25 bout against Prenga will serve as a springboard, allowing Joshua to demonstrate his health, stamina, and readiness for the ultimate challenge against Fury. While the fight against Prenga may not carry the same headline weight as a clash with Fury, it holds significant importance for Joshua’s career trajectory.
A convincing victory would not only restore confidence in his abilities but also set the tone for a potential blockbuster encounter later in the year. Conversely, a lackluster performance could raise questions about his long‑term prospects in the heavyweight division. Fans can look forward to live streaming options for the event, with promoters recommending the use of Chrome for the most accessible video player experience. Additional content, including highlights, podcasts such as Toe2Toe, and boxing news updates, will be available through various platforms, ensuring that followers stay informed throughout Joshua’s comeback journey.
In summary, Anthony Joshua’s July 25 fight in Riyadh represents a pivotal moment in his post‑accident rehabilitation, a strategic stepping stone toward a historic bout with Tyson Fury, and an opportunity for underdog Kristian Prenga to make a name for himself on the world stage. The boxing community will be watching closely as Joshua tests his readiness, with the promise of an era‑defining showdown looming on the horizon.