AFCON 2025
Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua will return to the ring on July 25 when he faces Albanian boxer Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as part of his preparations for a blockbuster clash against long-time rival Tyson Fury later this year.
The fight will mark Joshua’s first appearance since his victory over Jake Paul in December 2025 and comes after an extended period away from boxing following the tragic loss of two close friends in a car accident in Nigeria.
Speaking ahead of the bout, the two-time heavyweight champion said he feels stronger than ever and is eager to return to the sport he loves.
“I feel solid. This is where I want to be. I’m very grateful for this opportunity. It’s nice doing what I love,” Joshua said.
The 36-year-old revealed that recent personal challenges have helped him develop greater mental resilience, adding that boxing continues to provide purpose and direction in his life.
“Life throws many obstacles at us. I’m building myself up to be stronger than I’ve ever been, not only physically but mentally. I’ve realised I’m a lot stronger than I ever thought I was,” he explained.
Joshua described boxing as more than a profession, saying the sport has once again helped him navigate difficult moments in his life.
“I got into boxing to reshape my mind and identity, to make me a better person. It’s doing the same for me now. Boxing was never just about being a champion, it’s about the championship mentality.”
The bout against Prenga is expected to serve as a final tune-up before Joshua’s highly anticipated showdown with Fury, a fight that has been discussed for more than a decade and is now reportedly part of a two-fight agreement brokered by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh.
Joshua said the focus remains on delivering a strong performance against Prenga while continuing to sharpen his skills in training camp.
“I want to get some combinations going. I want to get some power punches going. I want to break him down and execute what I know I can do,” he said.
The British-Nigerian heavyweight also stressed that success on fight night will depend on the work completed in training rather than the contest itself.
“Confidence comes from your training. The fight is only an execution of that. Getting through this training camp will be the real reason I’m victorious on July 25 because of the way I prepare.”
Joshua also shed light on the negotiations that finally made a fight with Fury possible, revealing that a two-fight agreement was put together by his management team and Saudi organisers.
“It’s amazing. They managed to put a two-fight deal together; the first against Prenga, the second against Fury. I signed that deal and I’m happy to know where I am now and what I have to do to get to the end of the year.”
The rivalry between Joshua and Fury intensified earlier this year when Joshua attended Fury’s victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov. Although Joshua declined an in-ring face-off on that occasion, he says the timing is now right.
“If Fury was here with me now, I would do a face-off because there’s a reason now. The contracts are signed and the fight is there,” Joshua said.
“If he wants to get in the ring and I get the victory, he can step into my ring. I’m inviting him into my house. He’s more than welcome anytime.”
A victory over Prenga on July 25 would clear the path for one of the most anticipated heavyweight contests in modern boxing, with Joshua and Fury finally set to settle a rivalry that has captivated boxing fans for years.
