Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in what is being billed as a preparatory bout ahead of a potential blockbuster clash with Tyson Fury.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh confirmed on Monday that Joshua will face Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga at an event linked to the Esports World Cup, with the fight scheduled to be broadcast live on DAZN.
The bout will mark Joshua’s first appearance since his knockout victory over Jake Paul in December. Following that win, the British boxer was involved in a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends, although he sustained only minor injuries.
After taking time away from the ring, Joshua has since resumed training and agreed to a two-fight deal under the Riyadh Season banner, with a long-anticipated showdown against Fury expected later in the year.
Speaking ahead of his return, Joshua said he had used the break to rebuild and prepare for his comeback, adding that he is eager to return to action and continue his journey in the sport.
Before any mega-fight can materialise, however, Joshua must first overcome Prenga in July.
