Anthony Joshua’s Return Confirmed

Anthony Joshua’s return has been confirmed, as he will headline “The Comeback” on Saturday, July 25, 2026 against Kristian Prenga. 

With a 100% knockout ratio, Prenga represents a high-risk “gatekeeper” fight for Joshua, who must win to face Tyson Fury next. This return follows a tough period for Joshua. On December 29, 2025, just ten days after knocking out Jake Paul, Joshua was involved in a horrific car accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Nigeria. Tragically, the accident claimed the lives of his two closest associates and training anchors: strength coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Kevin “Latif” Ayodele.

Meanwhile, Fury returned from a 16-month retirement to defeat Arslanbek Makhmudov via a unanimous decision on April 11. A victorious Fury demanded Joshua face him immediately. Despite being ringside, Joshua declined to enter the ring for a face-off, later stating he would only engage the “Gypsy King” on his own terms. Now, a Fury-Joshua fight is much closer to happening. 

Reaction

“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. 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,” Joshua said

As for Fury, his manager (Spencer Brown) says they will look for a tune-up next.

“We’ve signed, we’re just waiting. We’re ready to go. Tyson was out of the ring for two years, just jumped back in. We probably want another fight before the AJ fight,” Brown

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