Anthony Joshua is making his return to the ring knowing he could be just one step away from fighting Tyson Fury. But first, Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) must dispatch Kristian Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs) in a heavyweight fight dubbed 'The Comeback.' Joshua is boxing for the first time since the tragic car crash which killed two of his friends. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the fight.
When is Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga?
Anthony Joshua will face Kristian Prenga on Saturday, July 25. The fight will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event is part of a growing trend of major boxing matches being staged in the Middle East, following high-profile cards hosted in Dubai and Saudi Arabia in recent years. The venue offers a unique atmosphere and has become a hub for international boxing, attracting top fighters and global audiences.
Who is Kristian Prenga?
Kristian Prenga is an Albanian heavyweight whose name was perhaps a shock to many boxing fans when he was selected as Joshua's next opponent. He has won 20 of his 21 fights, each of those victories coming inside the distance. His only loss was on points in an eight-round bout, the fifth fight of his career. Standing six-foot-five tall, Prenga possesses the physical attributes typical of a modern heavyweight. However, his level of competition has been modest at best. His most recent opponent was American Joe Jones, who has lost 15 of 31 fights. Before that, Prenga beat Brandon Carmack, who has lost 11 out of 20. Facing a former two-time world champion like Joshua represents a colossal step up in class, and many analysts see this as a tune-up fight designed to get Joshua back in rhythm after a layoff and personal tragedy.
How to watch Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga in the UK
The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN pay-per-view in the U.K. Fans can also watch via DAZN's Ultimate Tier subscription, which offers access to the event without an additional PPV fee. For those who prefer traditional television, the fight will not be available on standard broadcast channels, making DAZN the exclusive home for this event. International viewers can access the broadcast through DAZN's global platform, though regional restrictions may apply. Coverage is expected to begin with an undercard that, while still to be confirmed, typically includes several competitive bouts featuring rising stars and local prospects.
Ring-walk time for Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga
The ring-walks for the main event and the start time of the whole event are still to be confirmed. However, given the venue in Riyadh, which is two hours ahead of UK time, the main event ring walk is likely to occur around 10 p.m. local time, which would be 8 p.m. in the UK. Undercard action is expected to begin earlier in the evening, with preliminary bouts starting around 5 p.m. UK time. Fans are advised to check official DAZN schedules closer to the date for precise timings, as delays are not uncommon in live boxing events.
What is at stake?
For Joshua, a fight against Tyson Fury is the ultimate prize. The fight has been signed already, with Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, at the helm. A row between Dana White and Eddie Hearn over who will act as the official promoter is ongoing. There is also doubt about the location – whether it will be held in Saudi Arabia, the UK, or elsewhere. Joshua vs. Fury has been pencilled in for November, meaning a saga which has been ongoing for around a decade may be close to concluding. Fury himself is scheduled to fight Mariusz Wach in Thailand the night before Joshua vs. Prenga. Assuming Fury upholds his end of the bargain, the onus will turn to Joshua to emphatically dispatch Prenga and keep the mega-fight alive. A disappointing performance or, worse, a loss would derail those plans.
Beyond the Fury fight, Joshua's return carries deep emotional weight. He is boxing for the first time since the tragic car crash which claimed the lives of his friends Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele. Joshua has spoken about using the sport as a way to honor their memory and channel his grief. This personal element adds an intense layer of motivation for a fighter who has already achieved so much, including winning Olympic gold and becoming a two-time unified heavyweight champion. For Prenga, this is the rare opportunity to go from the boxing wilderness to the top of the world if he can cause a massive upset. A victory would instantly transform his career, earning him a place among the elite heavyweights and likely securing a rematch clause or a shot at Fury himself.
Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga undercard
The undercard is still to be confirmed, but early reports suggest several intriguing matchups. Potential names include British heavyweight contenders such as Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce, though nothing has been officially announced. There may also be appearances by local Saudi fighters and regional prospects looking to build their profiles. The undercard will likely feature a mix of styles and weight classes, providing a full evening of entertainment for fans. As the event approaches, more details will emerge, and fans can expect a stacked card befitting a main event of this magnitude.
Joshua's career has been defined by resilience and adaptation. After losing his unified titles to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021, he bounced back with a win over Jermaine Franklin before suffering a second defeat to Usyk in 2022. He then underwent a training overhaul, linking up with veteran coach Derrick James, and scored an impressive victory over Otto Wallin. That win set the stage for a potential showdown with Francis Ngannou, but the tragic car crash delayed those plans. Now, with Prenga as his opponent, Joshua is looking to build momentum and sharpen his skills. The heavyweight division is in a state of flux, with Fury holding the lineal crown, Usyk holding the WBA, WBO, and IBF belts, and a host of contenders like Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Filip Hrgovic waiting in the wings. A Joshua victory would set up a blockbuster with Fury that could unify most of the major titles and determine the true king of the heavyweights.
Prenga, despite his limited resume, possesses genuine knockout power. His 100% stoppage rate in wins indicates he can end fights quickly, and Joshua cannot afford to overlook him. Prenga's style is aggressive, and he has shown in previous fights that he can take a punch and stay composed. However, his lack of experience against top-tier opposition and his relatively slow hand speed could be exploited by Joshua's superior boxing IQ and athleticism. In the build-up, Prenga has expressed confidence, stating that he believes he can knock Joshua out. But most pundits expect Joshua's class and power to prevail, likely by mid-round stoppage.
The event represents another milestone for Saudi Arabia's burgeoning sports scene. The country has invested heavily in boxing, football, golf, and other sports as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. The Joshua-Fury negotiations have been complicated by disputes between promoters, with Turki Alalshikh playing a key role in brokering the deal. The choice of Riyadh as the venue for Joshua vs. Prenga underscores the Saudi commitment to hosting major global sporting events. For Joshua, fighting in Saudi Arabia has become familiar, as he previously defeated Andy Ruiz Jr. there in 2019 to reclaim his heavyweight titles. That experience could be an advantage, as he knows the conditions and the atmosphere.
As fight night approaches, excitement builds for what could be a defining moment in Joshua's career. A convincing win would propel him into the long-awaited clash with Fury, while a stumble would leave his future in doubt. For Prenga, it is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to upset the odds and write his name in boxing history. Fans around the world will be watching closely, and the event promises to deliver drama, emotion, and high-stakes action.
In addition to the main event, the undercard will feature several promising fighters looking to make their mark. While the full lineup remains TBC, early speculation includes a potential appearance by Olympic medalist and British cruiserweight prospect Ben Whittaker, who has been impressive in his professional outings. There may also be a place for local Saudi boxers, reflecting the country's investment in developing homegrown talent. The event will be broadcast globally, and DAZN is expected to provide comprehensive coverage including pre-fight analysis and post-fight interviews.
Joshua has not fought since June of last year, and the layoff, combined with the personal tragedy, raises questions about ring rust. However, his training camp has reportedly been intense, with focus on combination punching and lateral movement. Derrick James has emphasized the need for Joshua to use his jab effectively and avoid unnecessary risks. Given Prenga's power, Joshua cannot afford to exchange recklessly. Instead, he will likely look to establish distance, use his reach advantage, and gradually break down his opponent before seeking a stoppage in the middle rounds.
For Fury, his fight against Mariusz Wach in Thailand is a similar tune-up, though Wach is a veteran with a durable chin. Should both Joshua and Fury win, the stage is set for what would be the biggest fight in British boxing history. The promoter dispute between Eddie Hearn and Dana White continues to brew, but the financial might of Saudi Arabia may ultimately override those differences. A November date in Riyadh is the leading candidate, though other locations such as Wembley Stadium or Las Vegas have been discussed. Regardless, the path to that dream matchup begins with Joshua vs. Prenga.
The heavyweight division is richer and more competitive than it has been in decades. With multiple world champions and a deep pool of contenders, every fight matters. Joshua vs. Prenga may not have the glamour of a world title bout, but its implications are enormous. For Joshua, it represents a chance to honor friends, reignite his career, and set the stage for a legacy-defining showdown. For Prenga, it is a chance to seize a moment that most fighters only dream of. Boxing fans should expect fireworks in Riyadh.
Source: MSN News