Anthony Joshua to Fight July 25 in Riyadh; Fury Match Planned

Anthony Joshua will fight on July 25 in Riyadh. This is his first fight since a car accident in December 2025.
By Newsroom | Boxing, Sports |

Anthony Joshua is slated for a comeback fight on July 25, with Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marked as the likely venue. This bout serves as a preliminary step before a highly anticipated, though still unconfirmed, two-fight deal with Tyson Fury. Promoter Eddie Hearn indicated that advanced talks for the Fury showdown are progressing, with a potential date in November.

The July 25 fight is set against Kristian Prenga, an Albanian heavyweight with a perfect record of 20 wins, all by knockout. This encounter marks Joshua's return to the ring following a period of personal tragedy. He was involved in a fatal car accident in Nigeria on December 29, 2025, which claimed the lives of two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Joshua himself survived the incident.

Anthony Joshua sets comeback fight for July 25 - 1

Hearn has emphasized that the primary objective for the July fight is for Joshua to regain ring readiness and build momentum, rather than an immediate display of dominance. This approach is directly tied to the broader strategy leading up to a potential clash with Fury.

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Road to Fury: A Phased Return

Joshua's planned return in Riyadh is part of a new, multi-fight agreement in Saudi Arabia. The July bout is positioned as a 'warm-up' before the potential Fury encounter. Discussions for the Fury fight are described as being in their final stages, with Hearn suggesting that an all-British heavyweight showdown might even be considered for home soil in the UK, though logistical complications for a November date are noted.

Anthony Joshua sets comeback fight for July 25 - 2

Background and Context

Joshua, a former unified world champion, has not competed since the tragic accident in December. The car crash occurred while he was visiting family in Nigeria. News reports indicate Joshua had resumed training shortly after the incident, with his promoter, Eddie Hearn, revealing this plan in late February 2026.

The proposed fight with Tyson Fury has been a subject of intense speculation for years, with previous attempts to stage the bout collapsing. Both fighters have publicly engaged in exchanges regarding a potential matchup, further fueling fan anticipation. Fury himself recently secured a victory against Arslanbek Makhmudov, with Joshua present at the event, leading to renewed calls for their meeting. Makhmudov has also publicly expressed interest in facing Joshua.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is Anthony Joshua fighting next?
Anthony Joshua is scheduled to fight on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This fight is seen as a warm-up for a potential future match.
Q: Who is Anthony Joshua fighting on July 25?
Anthony Joshua's opponent for the July 25 fight in Riyadh has not been officially confirmed, but he is expected to face Kristian Prenga. The main goal is for Joshua to get back in the ring.
Q: Is Anthony Joshua fighting Tyson Fury soon?
Talks are happening for Anthony Joshua to fight Tyson Fury, possibly in November. The July 25 fight in Riyadh is a step towards this.
Q: Why is Anthony Joshua fighting in Riyadh on July 25?
The fight on July 25 in Riyadh is part of a plan for Anthony Joshua to return to boxing after a personal tragedy and to prepare for a possible fight against Tyson Fury later in the year.
Q: What happened to Anthony Joshua in December 2025?
Anthony Joshua was in a serious car accident in Nigeria on December 29, 2025, where two friends died. He survived the accident and is now ready to return to boxing.