British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring on July 25, marking his first fight since a tragic car accident that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
The former heavyweight champion will face Albanian boxer Kristian Prenga in a bout scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fight is expected to serve as a build-up to a much-anticipated clash later this year with fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury.
The announcement was made on Monday by Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh, who confirmed that the fight will be part of activities tied to the Esports World Cup and will be broadcast live on DAZN.
Joshua’s return comes months after a difficult period in his personal life. Shortly after his knockout victory over American entertainer-turned-boxer Jake Paul in December, the 34-year-old was involved in a car accident while in Nigeria.
The accident reportedly led to the death of two of his close associates, a development that shocked fans and the boxing community. Joshua himself sustained only minor injuries, but the emotional impact of the incident led him to step away from the spotlight for a while.
Sources close to the boxer say he used the time to recover both physically and mentally, returning gradually to training in preparation for his comeback.
Speaking ahead of the July fight, Joshua said he had taken time to reflect and rebuild, adding that he is now ready to step back into competitive boxing.
“It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to regroup and prepare myself for a return to the ring. This fight is the next step in that journey,” he said.
“I’m happy to have agreed to this deal and I’m looking forward to competing again and continuing from where I stopped.”
The fight against Prenga is widely seen as a warm-up bout, given Joshua’s higher level of experience and global profile. However, boxing analysts warn that no fight should be taken lightly, especially in the heavyweight division where a single punch can change the outcome.
Prenga, though less known on the global stage, is expected to see the bout as a major opportunity to prove himself against one of boxing’s biggest names.
Joshua’s return is also tied to a larger plan, as he has reportedly signed a two-fight deal under the Riyadh Season boxing programme. The deal is expected to culminate in a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury, a fight that has been discussed for years but never materialised.
Fans have long called for a bout between Joshua and Fury, two of Britain’s most successful heavyweight fighters in recent times. The potential clash is expected to attract global attention and generate significant revenue if it finally takes place.
Fury, known for his unbeaten record and outspoken personality, has previously exchanged words with Joshua, adding to the rivalry between the two fighters.
For Joshua, the upcoming fight in Saudi Arabia is not just about winning but also about regaining momentum in his career. After losing his world titles in past fights and facing criticism over his performances, the boxer has been working to re-establish himself as a top contender in the heavyweight division.
His victory over Jake Paul in December was seen as a step in the right direction, although some critics argued that the fight did not fully test his abilities against elite competition.
Now, with a potential blockbuster fight against Fury on the horizon, Joshua has a chance to prove that he still belongs among the best in the sport.
The choice of Saudi Arabia as the venue also reflects the country’s growing role in global boxing. In recent years, major fights have been hosted in Riyadh under government-backed initiatives aimed at promoting sports and entertainment.
These events have attracted top fighters and large audiences, turning the country into a key destination for high-profile boxing matches.
For Nigerian fans, Joshua’s return carries special significance. Though he represents Great Britain, the boxer has strong ties to Nigeria and remains a popular figure among sports followers in the country.
Many will be watching closely as he steps back into the ring, hoping for a successful comeback after a challenging period.
As the countdown to July 25 begins, attention will focus on Joshua’s preparation and performance. A convincing win against Prenga could set the stage for one of the biggest fights in recent boxing history.
For now, the message from Joshua is clear. He is back, focused, and ready to continue his journey in the sport.
“As I always say, the landlord will collect his rent,” he added, hinting at his determination to make a strong statement on his return.