Anthony Joshua is set to make his boxing return on July 25, stepping back into the ring in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The former unified heavyweight champion will face Kristian Prenga in what is being billed as a comeback test after a difficult period in his personal life.

This marks Joshua’s first fight since he resumed training following a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December, an incident that claimed the lives of two close friends. The announcement of the July 25 bout was accompanied by statements from promoters Turki Alashikh and Eddie Hearn, who both hinted that the long‑awaited showdown between Joshua and his arch‑rival Tyson Fury is finally moving toward reality later this year. Joshua himself said, "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 stoked speculation on Monday by posting on social media, "To my friends in Great Britain. It's happening, it's signed," implying that the Fury‑Joshua fight had been formally agreed. Hearn echoed the sentiment on Instagram, declaring the paperwork "Signed, sealed, delivered! AJ vs Fury is on!" Ring Magazine later confirmed the matchup as a "done deal" slated for the fourth quarter of 2026.

Fury himself has hinted at his readiness, noting that he signed his side of the contract months ago after his recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Hearn has previously told Sky Sports that the two potential dates being considered for the Fury‑Joshua clash are in July and November, and that both fighters are expected to undergo tune‑up bouts to sharpen their skills. After defeating Makhmudov, Fury publicly challenged Joshua, saying, "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, noting that he has been pursuing Fury for a decade and that the terms of any future fight will be set by him. Regardless of the outcome against Prenga, Joshua’s performance will serve as a barometer for his readiness to take on Fury in what could become an era‑defining contest for British boxing.

Prenga, an Albanian heavyweight based in the United States, boasts a respectable record of 20 wins and a single loss, with every victory coming by stoppage. His lone defeat came early in his career against Giovanni Auriemma in 2017. Prenga has expressed confidence, stating, "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 remarked that Prenga is perhaps the most Googled athlete in the last hour, though he clarified that the bout is essentially a "test‑the‑water" comeback for Joshua. He highlighted the emotional weight of Joshua’s recent tragedy, noting that the two friends who perished—Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele—were close confidants.

"He's gone through the physical trauma of the car accident. He has to go back into camp, which he has done, and he's taking it slow.

This will be the test to see how he gets on in the training camp, 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 that they've made that he should win," Scott added.

The Saudi bout will likely be streamed via various platforms, with promoters urging fans to use Chrome for optimal video playback. In addition to the fight itself, the event is part of a broader push to bring high‑profile boxing to the Kingdom, aligning with the country's growing investment in international sports.

Looking ahead, the July 25 fight serves as a stepping stone toward the much‑anticipated clash with Fury. If Joshua can demonstrate his physical and mental recovery against Prenga, the stage will be set for a blockbuster showdown that could dominate headlines across the UK and beyond.

The narrative of redemption, resilience, and rivalry promises to captivate boxing enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, making the upcoming months a pivotal period in the sport's modern history.