Former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua will make his long-awaited return to the ring on July 25 when he faces Albanian contender Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The bout will headline The Comeback, an event staged as part of the Esports World Cup Festival, marking Joshua’s first appearance since December following a period away from boxing after a serious car accident in Nigeria.
Joshua, 36, last competed on Dec. 19, when he recorded a knockout victory over social media personality Jake Paul. Ten days later, the British star was involved in a car crash that claimed the lives of two of his friends and left him sidelined from competition.
“It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back into the ring,” Joshua said in a statement released by Matchroom Boxing. “Today is the next step on that journey.”
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, also fueled speculation surrounding a blockbuster showdown with longtime British rival Tyson Fury, suggesting an agreement is already in place for the pair to finally meet.
“Signed, sealed, delivered! AJ v Fury is on!” Hearn wrote on Instagram on Monday.
There was no immediate response from Fury’s camp regarding the proposed matchup.
Before any potential clash with Fury can materialize, Joshua must first overcome Prenga, who enters the contest with a professional record of 20 wins and one defeat.
Joshua revealed that the Prenga fight is the opening bout of a multi-fight agreement, indicating an active schedule ahead as he looks to re-establish himself among boxing’s heavyweight elite.
Fury, also a former two-time heavyweight champion, returned from a 15-month retirement in April, defeating Russian-born Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Joshua was in attendance for that contest, further intensifying anticipation for a future meeting between the two British stars.
Prenga, however, is determined to spoil those plans.
“I know they have big plans ahead after this fight,” Prenga said. “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.”
A victory for Joshua would move him one step closer to the highly anticipated showdown with Fury, a fight boxing fans have awaited for years.
