By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring on July 25 with a face-off against Albanian heavyweight, Kristian Prenga, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Joshua’s fight against Prenga, the first since a car accident on December 29, 2025, is a warm-up fight preparatory to a long-overdue matchup with Tyson Fury expected later in the year.
Saudi Boxing Chief, Turki Alalshikh, confirmed the July 25 fighting bout on Monday, April 27, saying the Watford powerhouse will lock horns with Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of an ‘Esports World Cup’ event, which would be broadcast live on DAZN.
“To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening. It’s signed,” Alalshikh tweeted.
The fight marks the former unified heavyweight champion’s first fight since his knockout victory over Jake Paul in December 2025.
Shortly after his win, Joshua was involved in a tragic car accident in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, and left him with minor injuries.
The Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) collided with a stationary truck, and Joshua and the driver sustained minor injuries.
He was later discharged from the hospital after being deemed clinically fit to continue his recovery at home.
Joshua has since returned to training and has now signed a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season, which includes a blockbuster clash with Fury later in the year.
In order to face Fury, the 34-year-old will have to get through Prenga first at the July 25 fight.
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Speaking on his return to the ring, Joshua said, “It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back in to the ring, and today is the next step on that journey.
“I’m delighted to have agreed a multi-flight deal starting with July 25th in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off.
“As I said, the landlord will collect his rent. That is certain.”
Following the car accident along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on December 29, 2025, a Sagamu Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State granted Joshua’s driver, Adeniyi Kayode, a N5 million bail.
The 46-year-old driver of the Lexus SUV is on trial for a four-count charge, including dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, causing bodily harm and damage to property, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
During the trial on Tuesday, January 20, the driver pleaded not guilty to the charges and he was granted a N5 million bail with two sureties.
