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. The former unified heavyweight champion will face Albanian‑born contender Kristian Prenga in what is being billed as his first match since resuming training after the tragic car accident in Nigeria last December that claimed the lives of two close friends. This appearance marks a pivotal moment in Joshua’s rehabilitation, both physically and emotionally, as he seeks to re‑establish himself among the sport’s elite. The announcement of the July 25 bout was accompanied by statements from promoters Turki Al‑Alshikh and Eddie Hearn, who also confirmed that the long‑rumored showdown between Joshua and his great rival Tyson Fury is finally moving toward reality later in the year.
Joshua himself expressed his excitement, saying, “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.” He added a confident, if cheeky, remark about his future opponent: “The landlord will collect his rent. That is certain.” Al‑Alshikh had already stoked speculation earlier in the week by posting on social media, “To my friends in Great Britain.
It’s happening, it’s signed,” hinting that the Joshua‑Fury fight had been finalized. Hearn echoed this sentiment on Instagram, declaring the paperwork “signed, sealed, delivered,” and confirming that AJ vs Fury is officially on the calendar. Ring Magazine later corroborated the deal, labeling the bout a “done deal” slated for the fourth quarter of 2026. Fury, fresh off a decisive victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, has publicly challenged Joshua, referring to the potential clash as the “Battle of Britain.” After his win, Fury said, “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, emphasizing his determination: “I’ve been chasing you for the last 10 years. When you’re ready, come see me and tell me your terms. I’m the boss, you work for me. I’m the landlord.” Regardless of the outcome against Prenga, Joshua’s performance will be scrutinized as a barometer for his readiness to take on Fury in what could become an era‑defining encounter for British boxing.
The July fight is being framed as a low‑key, test‑the‑waters affair, allowing Joshua to gauge his conditioning, sparring intensity, and mental fortitude after the trauma of the accident that claimed his friends Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele. Kristian Prenga, based in the United States, arrives with an impressive résumé on paper: 20 wins and a single loss, all victories coming before the final bell. His lone defeat dates back to 2017 against Giovanni Auriemma. Prenga has spoken confidently about the opportunity, stating, “Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent.
This fight could change everything for both of us. I know they have big plans after this bout, and I intend to derail those plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia.” Sky Sports boxing analyst Andy Scott noted that Prenga may be the most googled athlete in the past hour, despite not being a household name in heavyweight boxing. He clarified that the bout is essentially a comeback test for Joshua, who must overcome the physical and psychological aftermath of the car crash that took his friends’ lives.
“He’s gone through the physical trauma of the accident, returned to camp, and is taking it slow,” Scott explained. “This fight will reveal how he handles a training camp, hard sparring, and the pressure of a big fight week.
In Saudi Arabia, it will be a more low‑profile return, and it’s a fight they expect him to win.” The broader boxing calendar for 2026 features several marquee events, with the Joshua‑Fury clash projected to dominate headlines. Promoters have hinted at potential dates in July and November for the heavyweight showdown, while both camps continue to fine‑tune contractual details.
Hearn has previously told Sky Sports that the two dates are under consideration and that they anticipate moving forward once all parties are aligned. In summary, Anthony Joshua’s July 25 comeback against Kristian Prenga serves as a crucial stepping stone on his road back to the top of the heavyweight division. It offers him a chance to demonstrate that he can regain his form after a devastating personal loss, while also setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash with Tyson Fury later in the year—a bout that promises to capture the imagination of boxing fans worldwide and potentially rewrite the narrative of British heavyweight history.