Anthony Joshua’s next boxing match has been officially confirmed. According to Ring Magazine, he is scheduled to face Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event is linked to the Esports World Cup and will be exclusively broadcast on DAZN. This announcement provides Joshua with a definitive return date after months of speculation regarding his next opponent and comeback timeline.
Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga Set for July 25 in Riyadh
This news marks the end of the anticipation surrounding Joshua’s next career move and signifies the beginning of a new phase for the former two-time heavyweight champion. He has reportedly signed a multi-fight contract, with this bout in Saudi Arabia on July 25 serving as the first. Joshua had previously stated his intention to “consolidate and rebuild” before re-entering the ring, positioning this fight as the start of his renewed campaign rather than a one-off appearance.
His most recent high-profile fight was against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on September 21, 2024, where Dubois secured a fifth-round stoppage in an IBF heavyweight title bout. Following the loss to Dubois, Joshua had already participated in one comeback match, defeating Jake Paul by sixth-round knockout in Miami in December 2025. However, his path back has also been impacted by personal tragedy, with the loss of close friends and team members Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in a road accident in Nigeria later that same month.
Kristian Prenga is entering the ring as the less recognized contender, though not without potential danger. With a record of 20 wins and 1 loss, all by knockout, the 35-year-old Prenga stands at 6-foot-5. He hails from New Jersey and transitioned to boxing after a career in kickboxing, without prior amateur boxing experience. While he is not ranked by the four major sanctioning bodies, he has been on a winning streak since his sole defeat and has exclusively fought in the United States since 2022.
Following Tyson Fury’s victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 10, Fury publicly challenged Joshua. A win for Joshua in this upcoming fight could pave the way for a highly anticipated bout against Tyson Fury.
The fight will be broadcast live globally from Riyadh. This event is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy of using prominent boxing matches to support its major seasonal and international initiatives. For Joshua, this fight represents more than just a comeback; it’s a reset opportunity. For Prenga, it’s a significant step up in competition. It also further cements Riyadh’s position as a key venue in the heavyweight boxing landscape.
