Anthony Joshua will return to boxing in a comeback fight on July 25 in Riyadh ahead of potential showdown with Tyson Fury

Anthony Joshua will return to boxing in a comeback fight on July 25 in Riyadh ahead of potential showdown with Tyson Fury | Boxing News

April 27, 2026:

Anthony Joshua will return to boxing in a comeback fight on July 25 in Riyadh ahead of potential showdown with Tyson Fury | Boxing News

Anthony Joshua will return to boxing in a comeback bout on July 25 in Saudi Arabia.

The former unified world champion will fight Kristian Prenga in Riyadh this summer.

It will be Joshua’s first contest since returning to training after a car accident in Nigeria in December saw two of his close friends die.

It also comes as speculation mounts that Joshua will finally fight his great rival Tyson Fury later this year.

Joshua said: “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.

“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.”

When could Joshua-Fury happen?

Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh turbo-charged speculation that the fight between Joshua and Fury had been agreed when he posted on social media: “To my friends in Great Britain. It’s happening, it’s signed.”

Joshua could well be taking the first step towards that clash with Fury. His promoter Eddie Hearn previously told Sky Sports that he wanted AJ to have a tune-up bout in July and then meet Fury later this year, potentially in November.

Joshua does have a contract for the fight with Fury.

Hearn told Sky Sports: “July and November are the two dates that have been presented to us now and we expect to move forward.

“Fury has just had his tune-up fight with 12 really vital rounds to get him sharp for the next one and I expect us to do the same.”

After Fury outpointed Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium he directly called on Joshua to fight him next.

“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.

“Do you accept my challenge?”

Joshua answered: “I’ve been chasing you the last 10 years, when you’re ready you come and see me and tell me your terms and conditions.

“I’m the boss, you work for me. I’m the landlord. You work for me.”

If Joshua prevails against Prenga, he should be on course for that Fury fight, potentially this year.

Who is Kristian Prenga and what’s his record?

Albania’s Kristian Prenga is based in the USA and has good record on paper, 20 victories against just one defeat.

Every one of those professional wins has come inside the distance too.

The lone loss on his ledger came early in his career, against then 1-2 Giovanni Auriemma in 2017.

Prenga said: “Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent. This is the kind of fight that changes everything in my life and his.

“I know they have big plans ahead after this fight. I know they are overlooking me. I’m happy about that. I will derail their plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia.”

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