Anthony Joshua is set to make his much‑anticipated return to the ring on July 25, with a fight slated to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The former unified heavyweight champion will step inside the squared circle against Kristian Prenga, a relatively unknown contender who has built a solid record while based in the United States. This matchup marks Joshua’s first competitive appearance since he resumed training following a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December, an incident that claimed the lives of two close friends and left the British star grappling with both physical and emotional recovery. The announcement of the comeback fight arrived alongside confirmation from Joshua’s promoters, Turki Al‑Alshikh and Eddie Hearn, that a long‑awaited showdown with rival Tyson Fury is now moving toward reality.
In a press statement, Joshua explained his mindset: “I’ve taken some time to regroup and rebuild, to make sure I’m ready to step back into the ring. Today is the next step on that journey. I’m thrilled to have secured a multi‑fight agreement that kicks off on July 25 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
I’m eager to get back in the cage and pick up where I left off. As I’ve said before, the landlord will collect his rent – that’s a certainty.” Al‑Alshikh 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.” Hearn echoed the excitement on Instagram, declaring the paperwork “signed, sealed, delivered” and confirming that the AJ vs. Fury clash is officially on the calendar.
Ring Magazine also weighed in, labeling the fight a “done deal” on its X account and indicating that the showdown is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2026. The background to the Fury‑Joshua fight is rooted in a pre‑existing agreement. After Fury’s recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov, he confirmed that he had already signed his side of the contract, saying, “I signed months ago.
I don’t know if he signed,” in reference to Joshua’s paperwork. Hearn later clarified that both camps have now aligned, with July and November being the two dates currently under consideration for the bout. He added that Fury’s recent twelve‑round tune‑up was designed to sharpen him for the eventual clash, and that Joshua would follow a similar preparation path.
Following his win over Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Fury publicly challenged Joshua, urging the British heavyweight to give fans the “Battle of Britain” they crave. “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,” Fury declared, asking, “Do you accept my challenge?” Joshua’s response was equally defiant: “I’ve been chasing you for the last 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, you work for me.” Whether Joshua emerges victorious over Prenga or not, the outcome will set the tone for the impending, potentially era‑defining clash with Fury – a fight that could become one of the most significant events in British boxing history.
Kristian Prenga, the Albanian‑born heavyweight now residing in the United States, arrives with an impressive résumé on paper: 20 wins and a single loss, all of his victories coming by way of stoppage before the final bell. His lone defeat dates back to 2017, when he fell to Giovanni Auriemma early in his career.
Prenga is aware of the spotlight this fight will bring and has spoken confidently about his chances: “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 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 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 bout is essentially a “test‑the‑water” comeback for Joshua, who is still processing the aftermath of the car crash that claimed his friends Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele. “He’s endured the physical trauma of the accident, returned to camp, and is taking his preparation slowly,” Scott explained.
“This fight will gauge how he handles training, hard sparring, and the pressure of a major fight week. In Saudi Arabia, it will be a relatively low‑profile return, but it’s a fight designed for Joshua to win and rebuild his confidence.” The July 25 event, therefore, serves multiple purposes: it offers Joshua a platform to test his readiness after a period of mourning and rehabilitation, provides Prenga with a chance to catapult his career onto a global stage, and sets the groundwork for a blockbuster showdown with Fury later in the year. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how Joshua navigates this pivotal moment in his comeback journey, and whether the Saudi bout will indeed be the springboard that leads to a historic British heavyweight clash in the near future.