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 Kristian Prenga in what is being billed as a comeback bout, marking Joshua’s first fight since he resumed training after a devastating car crash in Nigeria last December that claimed the lives of two close friends.
The announcement of the Saudi Arabia fight was accompanied by statements from promoters Turki Alashikh and Eddie Hearn, who also confirmed that Joshua’s ultimate target remains his long‑standing rival Tyson Fury. The two promoters hinted that a multi‑fight agreement has been signed, with the July 25 contest serving as the opening chapter of that deal. Joshua himself said, “I’ve taken some time to regroup and rebuild, and today marks the next step on that journey. I’m thrilled to have secured a multi‑fight pact that kicks off in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” He added a characteristic swagger, noting, “The landlord will collect his rent – that’s a certainty.” Alashikh had already stoked speculation on social media earlier in the week, posting, “To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening, it’s signed,” which many interpreted as a confirmation that the long‑rumored Joshua‑Fury showdown had been finalized.
Hearn echoed this sentiment on Instagram, declaring the paperwork “signed, sealed, delivered,” and confirming that the bout with Fury is on the calendar for the fourth quarter of 2026. The background to the Fury‑Joshua clash dates back to Fury’s recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
After that fight, Fury publicly challenged Joshua, saying, “I want you, AJ. Let’s give the fans the Battle of Britain.
I challenge you, Anthony Joshua, to fight me – the Gypsy King – next.” Joshua responded in kind, noting that he had been chasing Fury for a decade and that when Fury is ready, he should come forward with his terms. “I’m the boss, you work for me.
I’m the landlord,” Joshua quipped, a line that has become a meme among boxing fans. Regardless of the outcome against Prenga, Joshua’s performance will be closely watched as an indicator of his readiness for the much‑anticipated clash with Fury, a fight that could be described as era‑defining for British heavyweight boxing. The July 25 bout is expected to be a relatively low‑key affair, allowing Joshua to gauge his physical condition after the accident, test his training camp, and acclimate to the pressure of a major fight week. Kristian Prenga, the Albanian‑born heavyweight based in the United States, enters the fight with an impressive record on paper: 20 wins and a single loss, all of his victories coming by stoppage before the final bell.
His lone defeat dates back to 2017, when he was knocked out by Giovanni Auriemma early in his career. Prenga has spoken confidently about the opportunity, 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 big plans are in place after this bout, and I intend to derail them and shock the world 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. He emphasized that the fight is essentially a “test‑the‑water” comeback for Joshua, who is still processing the physical and emotional aftermath of the crash that took the lives of his friends Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele. Scott explained, “Joshua has endured significant trauma, both physically and mentally. He’s back in camp, taking things slowly, and this fight will reveal how he handles hard sparring, conditioning, and the mental pressure of a high‑profile event.” The promotional side of the event has also been highlighted, with the organizers urging fans to view the fight using the Chrome browser for the best video player experience.
In addition to the live bout, fans can look forward to a range of boxing‑related content, including the weekly Toe2Toe podcast, a curated selection of highlights, and a contract‑free streaming option through the NOW platform. In summary, Anthony Joshua’s July 25 comeback in Riyadh represents a pivotal moment in his career. It offers him a chance to prove that he can overcome the setbacks caused by the tragic accident and to set the stage for a future showdown with Tyson Fury, a fight that promises to capture the imagination of boxing enthusiasts worldwide. Whether Joshua secures a decisive victory over Prenga or encounters unexpected challenges, the bout will serve as a crucial barometer for his readiness to re‑enter the heavyweight elite and pursue the long‑awaited British rivalry that could define the sport for years to come.