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, to face Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga. This match marks the former unified world champion's first competitive appearance since he resumed training after a devastating car crash in Nigeria last December, an accident that claimed the lives of two of his close friends. The fight against Prenga serves as a pivotal test of Joshua’s physical recovery, mental resilience, and readiness for the next phase of his career.
The announcement of the comeback bout was made official by Joshua's promoters, Turki Al‑Alshikh and Eddie Hearn, who also used the occasion to confirm that a much‑anticipated showdown with rival Tyson Fury is now moving toward reality. In a statement, Joshua explained his mindset: “It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild so I can step 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.” Al‑Alshikh had previously hinted at the Fury‑Joshua clash on social media, writing, “To my friends in Great Britain.
It’s happening, it’s signed.” Eddie Hearn echoed this enthusiasm on Instagram, declaring the paperwork “signed, sealed, delivered” and confirming that AJ vs. Fury is officially on the books. Ring Magazine also labeled the bout a “done deal,” noting that it is slated for the fourth quarter of 2026. Fury himself has hinted at his commitment, saying after his recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov, “I’ve signed.
I signed months ago. I don’t know if he signed.” While the Fury fight looms on the horizon, Joshua’s immediate focus is on the Prenga encounter. Kristian Prenga, who resides in the United States, 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 against Giovanni Auriemma. Prenga 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’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 heavyweight boxing.
He added, “Nobody is pretending that 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 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 gauge how he handles training, hard sparring, and the pressure of a big fight week.” The July 25 bout is expected to be a relatively low‑profile affair compared with the massive hype surrounding a potential Joshua‑Fury clash, but it carries significant weight for all parties involved.
For Joshua, a convincing win would restore confidence among fans, promoters, and his own team, signaling that he can still compete at the elite level after his tragic personal loss and the physical setbacks from the crash. For Prenga, a victory would catapult him into the global spotlight, potentially earning him a shot at higher‑ranked opponents and cementing his status as a serious contender. The logistics of the event have been arranged to accommodate a broad audience.
Organisers have recommended viewers use the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience. Additionally, the fight will be streamed through the NOW platform, offering a contract‑free viewing option for boxing enthusiasts worldwide. Fans can also stay updated via the Toe2Toe podcast, which provides weekly insights into the sport, and by following the best boxing highlights and videos on various social media channels. Eddie Hearn has previously indicated that the timeline for Joshua’s next fights includes potential dates in July and November, with both parties working to finalize the details.
He told Sky Sports, “July and November are the two dates that have been presented to us now and we expect to move forward. Fury has just had his tune‑up fight with 12 really vital rounds to get him sharp for the next one and I expect us to do the same.” After Fury’s decisive win over Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he 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’s response was equally bold: “I’ve been chasing you 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.” This exchange has only heightened anticipation for a potential showdown, which many analysts believe could become an era‑defining moment in British boxing history. In summary, the July 25 fight in Riyadh serves as a crucial stepping stone for Anthony Joshua.
It offers him a platform to demonstrate that he has recovered both physically and mentally from the tragic accident, while also providing Kristian Prenga an opportunity to prove his mettle on a global stage. With promoters already confirming a multi‑fight deal and the looming prospect of a Joshua‑Fury clash later in the year, the heavyweight division is poised for a series of high‑stakes encounters that could reshape the sport’s landscape for years to come.