Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he will face Kristian Prenga in a highly anticipated heavyweight clash.
The bout marks Joshua’s first appearance since surviving a devastating car crash in Nigeria in December; a tragic incident that claimed the lives of two members of his team.
Joshua was a passenger in the vehicle during the off season in Nigeria , sustaining injuries while two close friends; Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele lost their lives.
The incident cast serious doubt over his immediate future in boxing, making his scheduled return not just a sporting moment, but an emotional one.
The former heavyweight champion’s last outing came earlier in December against Jake Paul.
Now 36, Joshua steps back into the ring aiming to rebuild momentum and reassert himself among the division’s elite.
Standing in his way is Prenga, a 35-year-old Albanian heavyweight with a professional record of 17-1.
While not among the division’s biggest names, Prenga represents a solid test as Joshua looks to regain rhythm and sharpness after months away from competition.
Joshua’s return also comes amid renewed talk of a blockbuster clash with Tyson Fury.
The British rival recently secured a convincing win over Arslanbek Makhmudov and used the moment to call out Joshua, reigniting long-standing speculation over a mega-fight.
Discussions are reportedly ongoing, but Joshua must first navigate his comeback bout in Riyadh.
The July 25 showdown is expected to draw global attention, not only because of Joshua’s return but also due to the broader implications for the heavyweight division.
