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 for a comeback bout. The former unified heavyweight champion will face Kristian Prenga, an Albanian‑born fighter who currently resides in the United States and boasts a professional record of 20 wins and a single loss, all of his victories coming by way of knockout or stoppage.
This match marks Joshua’s first competitive appearance since he resumed training after a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December that claimed the lives of two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele. The announcement of the July 25 fight was accompanied by fresh confirmation from promoters Turki Al‑Alshikh and Eddie Hearn that a much‑talked‑about showdown between Joshua and his long‑standing rival Tyson Fury is now moving toward reality.
In a press statement, Joshua said, “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 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 said: the landlord will collect his rent. That is certain.” Al‑Alshikh had already hinted earlier in the week that the Fury‑Joshua bout had been sealed, 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 AJ vs.
Fury is officially on the calendar. Ring Magazine later reinforced the news on X (formerly Twitter), labeling the fight a “done deal” slated for the fourth quarter of 2026.
Both fighters appear to have already signed their respective contracts. Fury, after his recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, said, “I’ve signed.
I signed months ago. I don’t know if he signed,” suggesting that Joshua’s side of the agreement was still pending. Hearn’s latest announcement, however, indicates that all parties have now reached a final consensus, clearing the way for what many are calling an era‑defining British heavyweight clash. In a separate interview, Hearn told Sky Sports that the two potential dates on the table are July and November, and that both camps are preparing their fighters for a high‑stakes encounter.
“Fury just had his tune‑up fight – 12 really vital rounds to sharpen him for the next one – and I expect us to do the same with AJ,” Hearn explained. After Fury out‑pointed Makhmudov, he directly 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 see me and tell me your terms.
I’m the boss, you work for me. I’m the landlord.” Regardless of the outcome against Prenga, Joshua’s performance will serve as a barometer for his readiness to face Fury later in the year. The Saudi bout is being positioned as a relatively low‑profile comeback, designed to give Joshua a controlled environment to test his fitness, timing, and confidence after months of rehabilitation and a gradual return to full‑time training.
Kristian Prenga, the opponent, entered the fight with a solid résumé on paper – 20 wins, one loss, and a reputation for finishing fights inside the distance. His sole defeat came early in his career in 2017 against Giovanni Auriemma. Prenga has spoken confidently about the opportunity, 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 fight. 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, because he was involved in the terrible car crash that took the lives of his two great friends.
He’s gone through the physical trauma, returned to camp, and is taking it slow. This will be the test to see how he handles training, hard sparring, and the pressure of a big fight week.
In Saudi Arabia, it will be a more low‑profile return for Joshua. It’s a fight they’ve made that he should win.” The stakes for Joshua extend beyond a simple win‑loss record. The psychological component of returning after a personal tragedy, coupled with the physical demands of heavyweight boxing, makes this fight a critical checkpoint. Observers will be watching his stamina, punch output, and defensive adjustments closely, especially given the limited preparation time after his accident.
Moreover, the fight offers a glimpse into how well his new training camp – reportedly restructured under the guidance of long‑time trainer Robert McCracken and supplemented by sports‑science experts – has been able to restore his power and speed. From a broader perspective, the July 25 event also signals Saudi Arabia’s growing ambition to host marquee boxing events, following recent high‑profile fights in the kingdom. The venue, likely the King Abdullah Sports City, is expected to provide state‑of‑the‑art facilities and a sizable audience, though the promotion has urged fans to use Chrome for the best video‑player experience, hinting at a streaming partnership that could broaden the fight’s global reach. If Joshua emerges victorious, the narrative will shift quickly to the next chapter: a showdown with Fury that could dominate headlines across the UK and the United States.
The potential clash, billed by some as the “Battle of Britain,” promises massive pay‑per‑view revenue, historic significance, and the chance for both fighters to cement their legacies. Fury, known for his elusive style and tactical acumen, will pose a different set of challenges than Prenga, requiring Joshua to demonstrate not just raw power but also refined boxing IQ. In summary, Anthony Joshua’s comeback fight on July 25 in Riyadh serves as both a personal redemption story and a strategic stepping stone toward an anticipated bout with Tyson Fury later in 2026. While Prenga offers a credible test, the real measure will be how Joshua’s body and mind respond after months of recovery and how effectively his team can fine‑tune his performance for the ultimate showdown that looms on the horizon.