British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua is set to make his long-awaited return to the ring following his recovery from a tragic car accident in Nigeria late last year.
The former heavyweight champion is scheduled to fight on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking his first appearance since the December 29, 2025 incident that temporarily sidelined his career.
The announcement was made by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh, who confirmed that Joshua will take on Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga. The bout will be part of the high-profile “Esports World Cup” event and is expected to be broadcast live on DAZN.
The bout marks Joshua’s first fight since his knockout victory over Jake Paul in December, a win that briefly reaffirmed his return to winning form after a turbulent run in the heavyweight division.
Shortly after that victory, Joshua was involved in a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and left him with minor injuries.
He has since returned to training and, according to reports, signed a two-fight deal under Riyadh Season, which is expected to culminate in a blockbuster clash with Fury later in the year.
“To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening. It’s signed,” Alalshikh posted on X.
Joshua will first have to get past Prenga to keep the path open for the anticipated Fury showdown.
Speaking ahead of his return, Joshua said, “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 25th in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“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.”
