Amanze Chinonye
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will return to the ring on July 25 in Riyadh, where he is set to face Albanian contender Kristian Prenga in a bout billed as “The Comeback.”
The fight, announced by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, will be broadcast globally on DAZN and marks Joshua’s first outing since late 2025.
Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medallist, holds a professional record of 28 wins and four losses, with 25 knockouts. His most recent bout was a sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in December 2025.
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His return follows a period away from boxing after a fatal car accident in Nigeria involving close associates, a development that forced the 36-year-old to step back from active competition.
“It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back into the ring,” Joshua said. “This is the next step on that journey. I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off.”
Over the past decade, Joshua has been a central figure in the heavyweight division, recording notable victories over Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Kubrat Pulev and Andy Ruiz Jr., while also featuring in high-profile contests against Oleksandr Usyk, Daniel Dubois and Francis Ngannou.
Standing opposite him is Prenga, a 35-year-old heavyweight with a record of 20 wins all by knockout and one defeat since turning professional in 2016. The Albanian, who will be making his first appearance in a major international main event, expressed confidence ahead of the bout.
“Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me,” Prenga said. “I will derail their plans and shock the world.”
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While Prenga’s knockout record underscores his threat, the contest is widely viewed as a measured return for Joshua as he seeks to rebuild momentum. The bout is also expected to serve as a precursor to a long-anticipated clash with fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury, with talks for that fight reportedly advancing, subject to Joshua’s performance in Riyadh.
The event further highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global boxing promotion, as the kingdom continues to stage high-profile fights as part of its broader sports expansion drive.
For Joshua, the July 25 contest represents a critical test of his readiness to re-establish himself among the division’s elite and position for a potential blockbuster showdown later in the year.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
