Anthony Joshua has confirmed his return to the boxing ring, announcing a bout against Kristian Prenga scheduled for July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The contest marks the former unified world heavyweight champion's first appearance since a devastating car crash in December claimed the lives of two close friends and members of his team.
Joshua, 36, last competed on December 19 when he stopped Jake Paul in the sixth round in Miami.
The upcoming fight, officially titled "The Comeback", was revealed on Monday by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, with DAZN broadcasting the event globally.
Anthony Joshua's next fight confirmed for July 25 when he will face Kristian Prenga
|REUTERS
The agreement forms part of a multi-fight arrangement with Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, with a second bout expected later in 2026.
Joshua expressed his readiness to resume competing after months away from the sport.
"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.
"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. The landlord will collect his rent. That is certain."
Anthony Joshua has not fought in the ring since his stoppage victory over Jake Paul in December
| GETTYPrenga, a 35-year-old US-based Albanian, brings a professional record of 20 victories against a single defeat to the contest, having transitioned from kickboxing when he turned professional in 2016.
The opponent selection reflects a deliberate strategy from Joshua's camp, with the bout designed as a warm-up ahead of bigger challenges.
Promoter Eddie Hearn indicated that Joshua requires ring time before any potential superfight, noting that Fury recently completed 12 rounds against Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 April.
Despite Prenga's impressive knockout ratio, boxing observers consider him a limited threat compared to elite heavyweight opposition Joshua has previously faced.
The long-anticipated clash between Joshua and Tyson Fury appears closer than ever, with November emerging as the target date for what has been dubbed the "Battle of Britain".
Anthony Joshua was involved in a car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of his two friends
| XHearn confirmed to Sky Sports that negotiations are progressing, stating: "July and November are the two dates that have been presented to us now and we expect to move forward."
Ring Magazine has reported that Joshua versus Fury is already signed for later this year.
Fury and Joshua have reportedly signed a deal | GETTYFury himself issued a direct challenge following his dominant victory over Russia's Makhmudov earlier this month.
"Next, I want to give you the fight you've all been waiting for. I want you AJ, Anthony Joshua, let's give the fight fans what they want, the Battle of Britain," Fury declared.