Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will return to the ring on July 25 to face Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, ahead of his long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury later this year.
- +Anthony Joshua set for July return against Prenga before Fury blockbuster
The 36-year-old has been preparing for his comeback by training with former opponent Oleksandr Usyk, spending time in Spain and Ukraine with the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.
The 36-year-old has been preparing for his comeback by training with former opponent Oleksandr Usyk, spending time in Spain and Ukraine with the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.
Anthony Joshua’s bout against Prenga is seen as a stepping stone toward a potential all-British blockbuster with Fury, tentatively scheduled for November.
The fight, set for Riyadh, will be broadcast on DAZN and available to subscribers at no extra cost.
Prenga (20-1), who boasts a 100 per cent knockout ratio, has been lined up as a tune-up opponent, although he lacks experience against elite-level opposition. His only defeat came against a journeyman fighter with a losing record.
Joshua (29-4) has not fought since his knockout victory over Jake Paul in December. Following that bout, he took time away from the sport after being involved in a fatal car accident that claimed the lives of two close friends, though he sustained only minor injuries.
“It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to rebuild and be ready to step back into the ring,” Joshua said. “I’m delighted to have agreed a multi-fight deal starting July 25 in Saudi Arabia. I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off.”
Prenga, however, is confident of causing an upset.
“Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but they’ve made a mistake choosing me,” he said. “I know they have bigger plans, but I will shock the world in July.”
