Anthony Joshua is set to make his long‑awaited return to the ring on July 25, when he steps into the ring in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a comeback fight against Kristian Prenga. The former unified heavyweight champion has been out of competition since a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December claimed the lives of two close friends, and this match marks his first step back into professional boxing after resuming training. The announcement of the July 25 bout came alongside confirmation from promoters Turki Alashikh and Eddie Hearn that a much‑anticipated showdown with his longtime rival Tyson Fury is now on the calendar for later in the year.
Joshua explained his mindset in a recent statement: "It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild, to be ready for stepping back into the ring, and 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 at the Fury‑Joshua matchup earlier in the week, posting on social media, "To my friends in Great Britain. It’s happening, it’s signed." Hearn echoed that sentiment on Instagram, writing that the paperwork was "Signed, sealed, delivered! AJ vs Fury is on!" Ring Magazine later corroborated the claim, labeling the fight a "done deal" and indicating it would likely occur in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Fury himself confirmed that he had already signed his side of the contract following his recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov, stating, "I’ve signed. I signed months ago. I don’t know if he signed." While the Fury clash looms, Joshua’s immediate opponent is Kristian Prenga, an Albanian‑born heavyweight who now resides in the United States. Prenga boasts an impressive record on paper: 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 stopped by Giovanni Auriemma early in his career. Prenga has spoken confidently about the upcoming fight, saying, "Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent. This is the kind of fight that changes everything in my life and his.
I know they have big plans ahead 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." 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.
"But nobody is pretending that this is anything other than an Anthony Joshua test‑the‑water comeback fight," Scott said. "He was involved in the terrible car crash that took the life of his two great friends, Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele.
He’s gone through the physical trauma of the accident, returned to camp, and is taking it slow. This fight will be a gauge of how he handles training, hard sparring, and the pressure of a big fight week. In Saudi Arabia, it will be a relatively low‑profile return, a fight they expect him to win." The context of Joshua’s return adds emotional weight to the event. The December crash not only robbed him of two close companions but also forced a lengthy hiatus from the sport he has dominated for years.
Since then, Joshua has been rebuilding his fitness, working through rehabilitation, and gradually re‑entering the demanding routine of a heavyweight contender. His camp has emphasized a careful approach, focusing on regaining strength and confidence before taking on a challenger like Prenga, who, while unbeaten in recent bouts, does not yet carry the pedigree of a top‑10 contender.
Promoters have positioned the July 25 fight as a stepping stone toward the ultimate goal: a showdown with Tyson Fury, often billed as the "Battle of Britain." After Fury’s recent win over Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he publicly challenged Joshua, stating, "I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua. Let’s give the fight 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, acknowledging the long‑standing rivalry: "I’ve been chasing you for the last 10 years. When you’re ready, you come and 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." If Joshua can secure a convincing win over Prenga, the pathway to Fury becomes clearer, setting up what could be an era‑defining bout that would capture the imagination of boxing fans worldwide. The stakes are high not only for the fighters but also for the broader narrative of British heavyweight boxing, which has been dominated by the rivalry between these two titans in recent years. The Saudi Arabian venue adds another layer of intrigue.
The Kingdom has been investing heavily in high‑profile sporting events, and hosting Joshua’s comeback aligns with its strategy to become a hub for major boxing spectacles. Fans attending the fight can expect a modern production, though promoters have advised viewers to use the Chrome browser for an optimal video‑player experience. In summary, Joshua’s July 25 comeback against Kristian Prenga serves multiple purposes: it offers the champion a measured re‑entry into competition, provides a platform to assess his post‑accident form, and paves the way toward a potentially historic clash with Tyson Fury later in 2026. The bout will be closely watched by pundits, fans, and the fighters themselves, all eager to see whether Joshua can recapture his former dominance and whether the long‑awaited British heavyweight showdown will finally materialize.