Former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will return to boxing in a comeback bout on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, facing Kristian Prenga.
It will be Joshua’s first contest since returning to training after a car accident in Nigeria in December that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
“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 25 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Joshua said.
“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.”
The announcement comes amid mounting speculation that Joshua will finally fight his great rival Tyson Fury later this year. Eddie Hearn has set November as a potential time for the long-awaited showdown, though that fight has yet to be confirmed.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh turbo-charged speculation that the fight between Joshua and Fury had been agreed when he posted on social media: “To my friends in Great Britain. It’s happening, it’s signed.”
Joshua’s return to the ring follows a difficult period for the boxer, who has been rebuilding both physically and mentally after the tragic accident. The July 25 bout will serve as a warm-up before any potential blockbuster clash with Fury later in the year.
