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 fight against Albanian‑born heavyweight Kristian Prenga. This match marks Joshua’s first competitive appearance since he resumed training after a devastating car accident in Nigeria last December, an incident that claimed the lives of two close friends and left the former unified world champion physically and emotionally shaken. The announcement of the July 25 showdown came alongside confirmation from promoters Turki Alashikh and Eddie Hearn that a much‑anticipated clash with longtime rival Tyson Fury is finally moving toward reality. In a press statement, Joshua explained his mindset: "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." Alashikh had already hinted at the Fury‑Joshua bout earlier in the week, posting on social media, "To my friends in Great Britain.
It’s happening, it’s signed," which sparked a wave of speculation among fans and pundits. Hearn echoed the sentiment 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" slated for the fourth quarter of 2026. Fury himself confirmed he had already signed his side of the agreement after his recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov, saying, "I’ve signed.
I signed months ago. I don’t know if he signed." While the Fury showdown dominates headlines, the immediate focus for Joshua is the bout against Prenga, a relatively unknown heavyweight who has built a respectable record of 20 wins and a single loss, all of his victories coming by knockout or stoppage. Prenga, who trains in the United States, suffered his only defeat early in his career in 2017 to Giovanni Auriemma. He approached the upcoming fight with 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, "Kristian Prenga is probably the most googled athlete in the last hour – because, on the surface of things, he’s not the best known heavyweight. But 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 will be the test to see how he gets on in 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 that they’ve made that he should win." The significance of the July 25 fight extends beyond a simple comeback. It serves as a barometer for Joshua’s readiness to re‑enter the elite tier of heavyweight boxing and a stepping stone toward the blockbuster Fury encounter that promises to be one of the defining moments in British boxing history. Hearn has indicated that the two potential dates for the Fury fight are July and November, with both promoters eager to lock down a calendar that maximizes global viewership and revenue.
In the weeks leading up to the Saudi bout, Joshua has been rebuilding his conditioning, focusing on strength, endurance, and technical refinement. Sources close to his camp say he has been sparring with a mix of seasoned veterans and younger prospects to regain his timing and power.
The psychological aspect is equally critical; the loss of his friends in the crash has left an emotional scar, and Joshua has reportedly worked with a sports psychologist to ensure he steps into the ring with a clear, focused mindset. Prenga, meanwhile, is using the platform to elevate his own profile. With a record that boasts a high knockout percentage, he hopes to showcase his power and prove that he can compete with a former world champion.
His camp has emphasized his speed, footwork, and ability to cut off the ring, suggesting that Joshua will have to navigate a tricky opponent who can capitalize on any lapses in concentration. The fight is set to be broadcast via a partnership with the NOW streaming service, offering fans a contract‑free way to watch the action live. Promoters are also leveraging social media, podcasts such as Toe2Toe, and highlight reels to generate buzz and keep the audience engaged in the lead‑up to the event.
If Joshua secures a convincing victory over Prenga, it will not only restore confidence in his abilities but also solidify his bargaining position for the Fury showdown. A win would demonstrate that he has recovered physically and mentally, reinforcing the narrative that he remains a top contender in the heavyweight division. Conversely, a lackluster performance could raise questions about his long‑term prospects and potentially delay or reshape the timeline for the Fury clash. Regardless of the outcome, the July 25 fight is poised to be a pivotal chapter in Joshua’s career.
It offers a glimpse into his post‑trauma comeback, sets the stage for a high‑stakes confrontation with the Gypsy King, and provides a platform for an under‑dog like Prenga to make a name for himself on the world stage. As the boxing community watches closely, the anticipation builds for what could become a historic moment in the sport, marking the return of one of Britain’s most celebrated fighters and the possible birth of a new heavyweight rivalry that could dominate headlines for years to come.