Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will face Kristian Prenga on July 25, 2026, at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 12-round bout, officially titled “THE COMEBACK,” was announced during a press conference in London on June 1. This marks Joshua’s first time in the ring since a tragic car accident in December 2025 that resulted in the deaths of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.
The fight serves as a precursor to a planned showdown against Tyson Fury later this year. While many in the boxing world have seen boxing match delays by contract talks stall major matchups in the past, this Riyadh Season event is positioned as a necessary hurdle for the British star. Anthony Joshua enters with a record of 29 wins and 4 losses, including 26 knockouts.
Kristian Prenga, an Albanian-American based in the United States, brings a record of 20 wins and 1 loss. Notably, all 20 of Prenga’s victories have come by way of knockout, giving him a 100% finishing rate in his wins. Despite being the underdog, Kristian Prenga expressed confidence during the kickoff event, stating that being underestimated is a positive factor as he prepares for the biggest opportunity of his career.
Anthony Joshua and Kristian Prenga exchange warnings in London
During the opening press conference, Anthony Joshua dismissed concerns about a potential upset, suggesting that Kristian Prenga’s team was “digging their own grave” with their public confidence. He emphasized a renewed focus on his technical boxing abilities, specifically his defensive “IQ” and his ability to read incoming punches. “My eyes are fully locked in and I’m focused,” Anthony Joshua told reporters at the DAZN-streamed event.
Kristian Prenga, speaking through a translator, cautioned that Anthony Joshua might be looking too far past him toward a date with Tyson Fury. “You’re talking about the fight with Fury and having plans ahead of time, you’re trying to plan ahead of God,” Kristian Prenga said. The 35-year-old challenger later added in his own words that while he is not a “talker,” he considers himself a “puncher” ready for the July 25 date.
The 36-year-old Anthony Joshua credited his recent improvements to his training mindset, highlighting a shift in “boxing fitness” and mental clarity. This bout is the first in a new multi-fight deal for the Brit. Since a Fury-Joshua bout was penciled in for the end of 2026, the pressure on Anthony Joshua to deliver a flawless performance in Saudi Arabia has remained high.
Heavyweight physical comparison and statistics
The physical dimensions for the “THE COMEBACK” main event favor the British fighter. Anthony Joshua stands 6 feet 6 inches tall with an 82-inch reach. Kristian Prenga is slightly smaller at 6 feet 5 inches with a 77-inch reach, giving the former champion a significant five-inch reach advantage. Both fighters utilize an orthodox stance and have shown a high propensity for finishing fights early.
Anthony Joshua currently maintains a 90% knockout ratio over his professional career. While Kristian Prenga has also demonstrated massive power, his lone loss provides a blueprint that Anthony Joshua’s team will likely study. The bout is scheduled for 12 rounds but possesses no world titles; it is strictly a high-stakes heavyweight contest intended to rebuild momentum following Anthony Joshua’s recent period of consolidation.
Broadcast schedule and tickets for Riyadh Season showdown
The event will be broadcast live and exclusively worldwide on DAZN via Pay-Per-View and the Ultimate Tier. Main event ringwalks at the ANB Arena, located in Boulevard City, are expected to take place at approximately 11:00 PM BST / 6:00 PM EST / 3:00 PM PST. The full DAZN broadcast is scheduled to begin at approximately 5:00 PM BST.
While the main event is confirmed, the full undercard for the July 25 card has yet to be finalized. Matchroom Boxing and the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia are expected to add further bouts in the coming weeks. Fans can currently register interest for tickets through Matchroom and DAZN, though official sales have not yet opened for the public.
The Riyadh event adds to a busy summer for the streaming platform, which also features a Gualtieri-Jones IBF Middleweight bout and other major clashes like Canelo vs. Mbilli in September. For Anthony Joshua, a victory on July 25 is the only clear path to the Tyson Fury fight that has eluded the heavyweight division for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga taking place?
The fight is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the ANB Arena in Boulevard City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Main event ringwalks are expected to take place at approximately 11:00 PM BST / 6:00 PM EST / 3:00 PM PST.
What is Anthony Joshua’s professional boxing record?
Anthony Joshua enters the fight with a professional record of 29 wins, 4 losses, and 0 draws. Out of his 29 victories, 26 have come by way of knockout, giving the 36-year-old a 90% knockout ratio.
How can fans watch “THE COMEBACK” fight live?
The fight will be streamed live globally on DAZN. It will be available through DAZN Pay-Per-View and is also included for subscribers on the DAZN Ultimate Tier, with the broadcast expected to start at 5:00 PM BST.
