Anthony Joshua will resume his heavyweight campaign on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in a high-stakes comeback bout against dangerous Albanian contender Kristian Prenga.
The fight marks Joshua’s first appearance since he returned to full training following a serious car accident in Nigeria in December, an incident in which two of his close friends lost their lives. The former unified world champion has spoken of using that trauma as fuel for a renewed push back to the summit of the division.
Joshua has signed a new multi-fight agreement that begins with the Prenga clash in the Saudi capital, a venue that has become a global hub for elite boxing. The bout is widely viewed as the opening move in a carefully staged campaign designed to lead to a long-awaited showdown with WBC champion Tyson Fury.
“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 as the fight was confirmed. “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.”
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has already stoked anticipation for a Joshua–Fury clash, declaring on social media that a deal between the British rivals is in place. Promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated that July and November are the key dates in Joshua’s schedule, with the Prenga fight intended as a tune-up before a potential Fury meeting later in the year.
Prenga, however, insists he is no mere stepping stone. The Albania-born heavyweight, now based in the United States, brings a 20-1 record, with all 20 victories coming by knockout. His sole defeat came early in his career in 2017, and he believes Joshua’s team has underestimated the threat he poses.
“Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent,” Prenga warned. “I know they have big plans ahead after this fight. I know they are overlooking me. I will derail their plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia.”
For Joshua, victory would keep alive the prospect of a blockbuster “Battle of Britain” with Fury. For Prenga, it is the chance to turn the heavyweight landscape upside down in a single night.
