Anthony Joshua is set to make his long‑awaited return to professional boxing on July 25, when he steps into the ring in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The former unified heavyweight champion will face Albanian‑born Kristian Prenga in what is being billed as a comeback test after a difficult period in Joshua’s personal life.
The fight marks Joshua’s first competitive outing since he resumed training following a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December. The crash claimed the lives of two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele, and left Joshua dealing with both physical injuries and emotional trauma. After a period of recovery and gradual rebuilding of his conditioning, the British boxer has now secured a multi‑fight agreement that kicks off with the Saudi bout.
In a press statement, Joshua said, "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 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." The announcement was accompanied by confirmation from promoters Turki Al‑Alshikh and Eddie Hearn that a much‑anticipated showdown with rival Tyson Fury is now moving toward reality. Al‑Alshikh hinted at the forthcoming clash on social media, writing, "To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening, it’s signed." Hearn echoed the sentiment on Instagram, declaring the paperwork "signed, sealed, delivered" and confirming that the AJ‑vs‑Fury fight is on the calendar for the fourth quarter of 2026.
Ring Magazine has also labeled the bout a "done deal," noting that Fury’s side of the contract was reportedly signed shortly after his recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Fury himself teased the matchup, saying, "I’ve signed. I signed months ago.
I don’t know if he signed," after his win, and later challenging Joshua directly: "I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua. Let’s give the fans what they want – the Battle of Britain. I challenge you to fight me, the Gypsy King." Joshua responded in kind, emphasizing his own determination: "I’ve been chasing you for ten 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, the July 25 fight is widely viewed as a stepping stone toward that historic British heavyweight clash. If Joshua can demonstrate he’s back in form, the stage will be set for a showdown that could become one of the biggest events in UK boxing history.
Kristian Prenga, Joshua’s opponent, is a 28‑year‑old heavyweight who resides in the United States but was born in Albania. On paper he boasts a solid record of 20 wins and a single loss, with every victory coming by stoppage before the final bell.
His lone defeat occurred early in his career in 2017 against Giovanni Auriemma, who was then ranked 1‑2 in the division. Prenga has spoken confidently about the upcoming bout, stating, "Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation picking me as his opponent. This fight could change everything for both of us.
I know they have big plans after this fight, and I intend to derail those plans 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 a household name in heavyweight boxing. This is essentially a test‑the‑water comeback fight for Joshua, who is still processing the aftermath of the car crash that took his two close friends. He’s back in camp, taking it slow, and this bout will gauge his readiness for 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 prove he’s still a contender." The Saudi bout will also serve as a platform for the growing partnership between the Saudi Boxing Federation and international promoters. Turki Al‑Alshikh, the Saudi sports minister, has been instrumental in bringing high‑profile fights to the Kingdom, aiming to raise the country’s profile in the global boxing landscape. By securing a name‑recognizable fighter like Joshua for his comeback, Al‑Alshikh hopes to attract further marquee events and showcase Saudi Arabia as a viable venue for major boxing spectacles.
From a logistical standpoint, fans are being advised to use the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player when streaming the fight online. The promotion has also highlighted additional content offerings, such as the weekly Toe2Toe podcast, contract‑free streaming options via NOW, and curated boxing highlights that will accompany the main event.
Looking ahead, the timeline for the AJ‑vs‑Fury fight appears to be solidifying. Hearn told Sky Sports that the two potential dates under consideration are in July and November, with the latter likely being the target for the Fury‑Joshua showdown. Fury’s recent 12‑round tune‑up against Makhmudov was intended to sharpen him for the eventual clash, and Hearn expects Joshua to follow a similar preparation path. In summary, Joshua’s July 25 fight in Riyadh is more than a simple comeback; it is a strategic move that re‑establishes his presence in the heavyweight division, tests his post‑accident readiness, and sets the stage for a potentially era‑defining battle against Tyson Fury later in the year.
The bout against Prenga offers a measured challenge—one that should allow Joshua to demonstrate his physical recovery, mental resilience, and tactical sharpness before taking on the Gypsy King in what promises to be a historic British boxing encounter.