Anthony Joshua will return to the ring on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he will face Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga in a comeback fight that could shape the next major chapter of his career.
The bout will be Joshua’s first since he resumed training after the December car crash in Nigeria that killed two people close to him. Reuters reported that Joshua’s return fight against Prenga will be staged under the title “The Comeback” and shown globally on DAZN.
Joshua has also agreed a new multi-fight deal, putting him back into the centre of the heavyweight conversation after months away from the ring.
Joshua Begins His Rebuild
Joshua said he had taken time to rebuild before returning to competition.
“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,” Joshua said, according to the submitted intake.
The former heavyweight world champion added that he was pleased to begin the new deal in 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,” he added.
That line gives the comeback a clear tone. Joshua wants the fight to be more than a return date. He wants it to reset his authority.
Prenga Gets The July Assignment
Kristian Prenga now becomes the first opponent in Joshua’s comeback phase.
Prenga is a 35-year-old U.S.-based Albanian heavyweight with a 20-1 professional record.
That makes this a dangerous kind of comeback fight. Joshua will enter as the bigger name, but he cannot afford a poor performance. A clean win would sharpen the road ahead. A difficult night would slow the entire plan.
For Joshua, July 25 is not only about beating Prenga. It is about proving he is physically ready, mentally settled, and still capable of carrying a major heavyweight event.
Fury Fight Talk Gets Louder
The bigger shadow over the comeback is Tyson Fury.
Saudi boxing official Turki Alalshikh posted that the long-awaited Joshua-Fury fight is “happening” and “signed.” Sky Sports also reported that Joshua’s July comeback arrives ahead of a potential showdown with Fury, with Eddie Hearn pointing to November as a possible window.
Joshua must come through July without injury. He must also produce a performance strong enough to keep the Fury fight commercially and competitively hot.
Fury Sends The Challenge
Fury has already turned up the pressure. After beating Arslanbek Makhmudov, Fury publicly challenged Joshua and called for the fight fans have been waiting for. In Joshua’s response, he pushed back at Fury and said he would meet him in the ring when the time is right.
That exchange gives the rivalry fresh heat. For years, Joshua vs Fury has been the fight British boxing wanted but never received. Now, both men appear closer than ever to sharing a ring.
Why This Matters
Joshua’s comeback is not just another heavyweight date.
It carries recovery, reputation, Saudi boxing power, and the Fury fight all at once. Prenga is the immediate opponent, but Fury is the larger storyline.
If Joshua wins well in Riyadh, the heavyweight division gets one step closer to the fight that has followed both men for more than a decade.
For now, the task is simple. Joshua must get through July 25 first. Everything else depends on that night.
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