Anthony Joshua is set to make his much-anticipated return to the boxing ring on July 25, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, facing off against Albanian contender Kristian Prenga. This fight, officially confirmed on April 27, marks Joshua’s first bout since his emphatic knockout victory over Jake Paul in December 2025—a contest that, while entertaining, did little to silence critics who have long questioned the caliber of Joshua’s recent opponents. Yet, the backdrop to Joshua’s comeback is far more dramatic: just days after dispatching Paul, Joshua was involved in a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. The emotional toll from that event left Joshua’s career in limbo, with many wondering if the former two-time heavyweight world champion would ever step into the ring again.
Now, as the dust settles, Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) is not only returning but doing so as part of a multi-fight deal orchestrated by Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the country’s General Entertainment Authority. The first step is Prenga, a 35-year-old Albanian (20-1, 20 KOs) known for his aggressive style and perfect knockout record in his victories, though his resume is admittedly thin when it comes to top-tier opposition. The bout will be broadcast live on DAZN, with the eyes of the boxing world fixed on Joshua’s performance—not just for the spectacle, but for what it means for the future of the heavyweight division.
It’s no secret that the real prize lies beyond Prenga. Matchroom Promotions chairman Eddie Hearn and Alalshikh have both confirmed that Joshua has signed to fight Tyson Fury later in 2026, with the blockbuster showdown set to be streamed live on Netflix. “To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening. It’s signed,” Alalshikh declared on social media, while Hearn echoed the sentiment: “Signed, sealed, delivered! AJ v Fury is on!” The anticipation is palpable, with fans and pundits alike eager to see the two British giants finally square off, after years of failed negotiations and near-misses.
But before the world can feast on Fury vs. Joshua, the former Olympic gold medalist must first handle business against Prenga. The Albanian, fighting out of New Jersey, has notched 20 knockouts in his 21 fights, with only one blemish on his record. While critics have dismissed Prenga’s opposition as underwhelming, his confidence is undeniable. “Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent,” Prenga asserted. “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.”
Joshua, for his part, appears focused and determined, having spent recent months training in Spain with unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk’s team. That partnership began before the Paul fight and is expected to continue through the rest of the year. “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 25th in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Joshua said. “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 choice of Prenga as a comeback opponent has sparked fierce debate among fans and pundits. Social media has been awash with criticism, with many labeling the bout as little more than a tune-up. “Can crushing at its finest,” one fan remarked, while another questioned, “Who the f— is this?” Others have gone further, suggesting Joshua should have pursued a more dangerous adversary or jumped straight into the Fury fight. “Horrible, they should have him vs. [Deontay] Wilder before he fights Fury,” one user fumed. “His resume stinks,” another complained. The skepticism is not entirely unfounded; Prenga’s last opponent had a losing record, and none of his previous foes come close to Joshua’s pedigree.
Yet, the stakes for Joshua couldn’t be higher. This bout is more than just a warm-up; it’s a litmus test to see if the 36-year-old still possesses the timing, control, and mental fortitude needed to compete at the sport’s highest level. Joshua’s last championship outing—a loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024—was a stark reminder of the dangers that await at the summit of the division. Since then, he’s worked to rebuild, scoring a notable knockout over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou and rekindling his hunger for greatness.
Prenga, meanwhile, is relishing his role as the underdog and disruptor. “I will derail their plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia,” he repeated, doubling down on his belief that Joshua’s team is overlooking his threat. For Joshua, the challenge is as much mental as physical. He must balance the need for rounds and sharpness with the reality that any slip-up could cost him the Fury payday and, perhaps, his place in boxing’s elite.
Tyson Fury, for his part, is waiting in the wings. The self-styled “Gypsy King” (35-2-1, 24 KOs) returned to action in April with a dominant win over Arslanbek Makhmudov, reigniting interest in the all-British clash that has eluded fans for years. Fury’s own journey has been tumultuous, including back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024 and a brief retirement. But with both men now in their mid-to-late 30s and a combined age of 73 by fight night, the sense of urgency is real. Venues such as Wembley Stadium and Croke Park are under consideration, and while some lament that the bout is coming late in their careers, there’s no denying its blockbuster appeal.
As July 25 approaches, all eyes will be on Riyadh. Will Joshua shake off the rust and deliver a performance worthy of a future clash with Fury? Or will Prenga spring the upset and rewrite the heavyweight script? The journey back to the summit of boxing is never straightforward, and for Anthony Joshua, the next chapter begins under the brightest lights—and with the highest stakes—Saudi Arabia has ever seen.