Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will return to the ring on July 25 to face Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, ahead of his long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury later this year.
The 36-year-old has been preparing for his comeback by training with former opponent Oleksandr Usyk, spending time in Spain and Ukraine with the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.
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Anthony Joshua’s bout against Prenga is seen as a stepping stone toward a potential all-British blockbuster with Fury, tentatively scheduled for November.
The fight, set for Riyadh, will be broadcast on DAZN and available to subscribers at no extra cost.
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Prenga (20-1), who boasts a 100 per cent knockout ratio, has been lined up as a tune-up opponent, although he lacks experience against elite-level opposition. His only defeat came against a journeyman fighter with a losing record.
Joshua (29-4) has not fought since his knockout victory over Jake Paul in December. Following that bout, he took time away from the sport after being involved in a fatal car accident that claimed the lives of two close friends, though he sustained only minor injuries.
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“It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to rebuild and be ready to step back into the ring,” Joshua said. “I’m delighted to have agreed a multi-fight deal starting July 25 in Saudi Arabia. I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off.”
Prenga, however, is confident of causing an upset.
“Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but they’ve made a mistake choosing me,” he said. “I know they have bigger plans, but I will shock the world in July.”
