It has just been announced that Anthony Joshua will make his return against Kristian Prenga on Saturday, July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It comes moments after Turki Alalshikh announced that Tyson Fury vs Joshua is signed.
The Olympic gold medallist and former two-time unified heavyweight world champion will headline “The Comeback” as part of the Esports World Cup Festival, facing the little-known Albanian contender in Prenga. The bout is being used a comeback fight ahead of the all-British showdown with Fury later this year.
Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) comes off a sixth round stoppage victory against a severely less accomplished Jake Paul in December. However, Joshua was involved in a near fatal car accident in Nigeria during the Christmas period. He escaped with minor injuries, but two of his close friends lost their lives. Prior to bout with Paul, Joshua linked up with Oleksandr Usyk’s training team in Valencia. Led by cornerman Igor Golub, Joshua will continue with the same backroom staff.
Joshua said in a statement sent to Boxing Social: “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. 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. As I said. The landlord will collect his rent. That is certain.”
Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs) is on a 16 fight knockout streak against limited opposition. The 35-year-old is currently based in New Jersey, with his last ten fights taking place in the USA.
Prenga added in the statement: “Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent. This is the kind of fight that changes everything in my life and his.
“I know they have big plans ahead after this fight. 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.”
