Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will make his return to the ring on July 25 when he battles Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, announced on Monday.
The 36-year-old Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) is coming off a knockout win over Jake Paul in December 2025. He is also looking to get back in the ring after a severe car accident, which killed his two close friends.
“It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back in to the ring, and today is the next step on that journey,’ Joshua said. “I’m delighted to have agreed a multi fight deal starting with July 25th 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.”
Over the past eight years, Joshua has been central to some of boxing’s biggest heavyweight events, capturing and unifying world titles with landmark wins over Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Kubrat Pulev, and Andy Ruiz Jr. He has also shared the ring in high-profile clashes against Oleksandr Usyk, Daniel Dubois, and Francis Ngannou, headlining several global stadium events including Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The 35-year-old Prenga( 20-0, 20 KOs) has an opportunity of a lifetime. A win over Joshua would elevate him.
“Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent,” Prenga. “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.”
If he wins, Joshua probably will fight Tyson Fury next in an All-British affair, which is a big bout for both fighters.
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