Anthony Joshua’s boxing future is now firmly back on track after months of uncertainty following his last appearance in December 2025 against Jake Paul.
Soon after that bout, Joshua was involved in a car crash that resulted in the loss of two close friends, casting serious doubt over whether he would return to the ring.
However, the former world champion has made his decision and is now set to resume his career this summer, with major plans already outlined.
Anthony Joshua return set for July with Tyson Fury clash agreed for later in 2026
Ring Magazine has confirmed that Joshua will return to action on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he is scheduled to face Kristian Prenga.
The bout is expected to serve as a preparatory step, giving Joshua the chance to regain sharpness before a far bigger contest later in the year.
Should he come through that fight, a long-anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury is already agreed and set to take place in the final quarter of 2026.
That all-British clash has been years in the making and now appears closer than ever, provided ‘AJ’ delivers in his summer return.
The approach mirrors Fury’s recent path, with the heavyweight star having taken on Arslanbek Makhmudov this month in a controlled victory to maintain activity.
Joshua’s upcoming fight is therefore viewed in similar terms, offering a platform to build momentum ahead of a defining encounter.
Kristian Prenga brings knockout power but lacks elite-level experience
Prenga enters the bout with a professional record of 20 wins and one defeat.
All of those victories have come by knockout, highlighting his reputation as a dangerous puncher capable of ending fights quickly.
Despite that power, the 35-year-old Albanian has largely competed at a lower level than Joshua throughout his career.
For instance, as a heavyweight, he is currently unranked by all four major sanctioning bodies.
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