Anthony Joshua is set to make his much‑anticipated return to the boxing ring on July 25, when he steps into the Riyadh arena in Saudi Arabia for a comeback fight. The former unified heavyweight champion will face Albanian‑born contender Kristian Prenga, a fighter who has built a solid record while based in the United States.
This match marks Joshua’s first competitive outing since he resumed training following a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December, an incident that claimed the lives of two of his close friends. The announcement of the July 25 bout was made official by Joshua’s promoters, Turki Alashikh and Eddie Hearn, who also used the occasion to confirm that a long‑awaited showdown with rival Tyson Fury is now on the books for later in the year. In a statement, Joshua explained his mindset: "I’ve taken the necessary time to regroup, rebuild my conditioning, and get ready to step back into the ring. Today represents the next step on that journey.
I’m thrilled to have secured a multi‑fight agreement that kicks off in Saudi Arabia on July 25. I’m eager to compete again and pick up where I left off. As I’ve said before, the landlord will collect his rent – that’s a certainty." Alashikh had already hinted at the Fury‑Joshua deal earlier in the week, posting on social media, "To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening, it’s signed." Hearn echoed this excitement on Instagram, declaring the paperwork "Signed, sealed, delivered!
AJ vs Fury is on!" Ring Magazine later corroborated the news, labeling the fight a "done deal" and indicating it will take place in the fourth quarter of 2026. Fury himself confirmed he had already signed his side of the contract after his recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov, adding, "I signed months ago.
I don’t know if he signed yet." Hearn has previously told Sky Sports that the two potential dates being floated for the Fury‑Joshua clash are in July and November, and that both camps are preparing their fighters for a high‑stakes encounter. "Fury just had a tune‑up fight with twelve crucial rounds to sharpen him for the next one, and we expect to do the same with Anthony," Hearn said.
After Fury outpointed Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he 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. Do you accept my challenge?" Joshua responded in kind, noting a decade‑long pursuit: "I’ve been chasing you for ten years. When you’re ready, come see me and lay out your terms.
I’m the boss, you work for me. I’m the landlord." Regardless of the outcome against Prenga, Joshua appears poised to face Fury in what could become an era‑defining bout, likely to rank among the biggest events in British boxing history. Kristian Prenga, though not a household name, boasts an impressive professional record of 20 wins and a single loss, with every victory coming before the final bell.
His lone defeat occurred early in his career in 2017 against Giovanni Auriemma. Prenga has spoken confidently about the upcoming fight, stating, "Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but picking me as his opponent is a huge miscalculation on his part. This fight could change everything for both of us.
I know there are big plans after this bout, and I intend to derail them and shock the world in Saudi Arabia this July." Sky Sports boxing analyst Andy Scott noted, "Kristian Prenga may be the most Googled athlete in the last hour, but he isn’t the most renowned heavyweight. Still, no one pretends this isn’t a test‑the‑waters comeback for Joshua, especially after the devastating car crash that took his friends Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele.
He’s endured physical trauma, returned to camp, and is taking his preparation slowly but deliberately. This fight will gauge his readiness through training, hard sparring, and the pressure of a major fight week. In Saudi Arabia, it will be a relatively low‑profile return, designed for Joshua to secure a win and build momentum toward the Fury showdown." The July 25 event will also serve as a platform for Saudi Arabia to showcase its growing involvement in high‑profile boxing, aligning with the kingdom’s broader strategy to attract major sporting events.
Promoters expect a modest but enthusiastic crowd, with the fight broadcast via streaming partners that recommend using the Chrome browser for optimal video playback. In summary, Anthony Joshua’s July 25 comeback against Kristian Prenga represents a crucial stepping stone after a period of personal tragedy and physical recovery.
The bout offers Joshua a chance to test his conditioning, regain confidence, and set the stage for a potentially historic clash with Tyson Fury later in 2026. For Prenga, the fight is an opportunity to catapult his career onto the global stage, regardless of the result. Both fighters, their teams, and fans alike will be watching closely as the heavyweight division builds toward what could be one of its most memorable chapters.