Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring on July 25 in what will be his first fight since a car accident earlier this year, as he prepares for a potential blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh confirmed on Monday that Joshua will face Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout is part of the Esports World Cup event and will be broadcast live on DAZN.
The fight will mark Joshua’s return following his knockout victory over Jake Paul in December. Shortly after that bout, the former unified heavyweight champion was involved in a car accident in Nigeria that reportedly claimed the lives of two of his close associates, though Joshua himself sustained only minor injuries.
Since the incident, Joshua has resumed training and has now signed a two-fight deal under Riyadh Season, with plans for a high-profile clash against Fury later in the year.
Alalshikh announced the development on social media, stating that the deal had been finalised and confirming the July 25 date for Joshua’s return.
Joshua, speaking on his comeback, said he had taken time to rebuild and refocus before stepping back into competition.
“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,” he said.
He added that he was eager to resume his career and continue from where he left off, expressing confidence ahead of the upcoming bout.
The fight against Prenga is expected to serve as a tune-up ahead of the anticipated showdown with Fury, one of the most talked-about matchups in heavyweight boxing.
