KEY POINTS

• Anthony Joshua will return to boxing on July 25 against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia.
• The fight follows a tragic car accident in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends.
• A win could lead to a long-awaited heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury later in 2026.

Former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is preparing for a highly anticipated return to boxing, with a scheduled fight on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The British-Nigerian boxer will face Albanian opponent Kristian Prenga in what is being described as a warm-up bout. The fight is part of a major sporting event and will be broadcast globally, marking Joshua’s first appearance in the ring in several months.

Joshua has been out of competitive action since his emphatic knockout victory over Jake Paul in December. However, shortly after that win, his career was put on hold following a tragic car accident in Nigeria. The incident resulted in the death of two of his close associates, while Joshua himself sustained minor injuries.

The emotional and physical toll of the accident forced the boxer to take time away from the sport. During this period, he focused on recovery, reflection, and rebuilding both mentally and physically before making a return to full training.

Now back in camp, Joshua has signed a two-fight agreement under Riyadh Season, a deal that signals his intent to reclaim his position at the top of the heavyweight division. The upcoming July fight is seen as a crucial step in that journey.

Victory against Prenga is expected to set the stage for a blockbuster clash withTyson Fury

Victory against Prenga is expected to set the stage for a blockbuster clash with fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury, a fight that boxing fans have long awaited. Talks and anticipation around a Joshua-Fury bout have persisted for years, and this latest development suggests the matchup could finally happen before the end of the year.

Speaking about his return, Joshua explained that he deliberately took time to regroup and rebuild, stressing that stepping back into the ring now marks a new phase in his career. He expressed excitement about competing again and confidence in his preparation.

The July bout is therefore more than just a comeback fight—it represents a fresh start for Joshua and a potential pathway to one of the biggest fights in modern boxing.