Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has invited Tyson Fury to confront him in the ring following his upcoming bout with Kristian Prenga in Riyadh. The move, confirmed via social media on June 17, 2026, signals that the Fury-Joshua bout penciled in for late 2026 is moving toward a concrete reality. Joshua is scheduled to headline an event titled “The Comeback” on Thursday, July 25, 2026, in Saudi Arabia.
The invitation marks a role reversal from an encounter three months ago. Following Tyson Fury’s 12-round unanimous decision win over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11, the “Gypsy King” invited Joshua into the ring for a face-off. At that time, Joshua declined and left the stadium without engaging. Now that a deal for their all-British showdown is reportedly signed, Joshua has extended the same courtesy to his rival.
“Come to Saudi July 25th, I’ll welcome you in the ring if you’re serious,” Joshua stated on social media. The July date is regarded as a final tune-up for the 36-year-old before he enters the biggest fight of his career. Despite the high interest in the future showdown, Joshua must first navigate the challenge presented by the 20-1 Albanian heavyweight.
Anthony Joshua faces Kristian Prenga in Riyadh tune-up
Kristian Prenga has been selected as the opponent for Joshua’s first appearance in 2026. Joshua’s last outing was a knockout victory against Jake Paul in December 2025. While the July 25 bout features no major titles, it is a high-stakes fixture for the former champion. A loss would likely derail the lucrative plans for the Fury fight later this year.
The event is set to take place in Riyadh, with reports suggesting potential venues include the ANB Arena or the Jeddah Superdome. Joshua, an orthodox fighter standing 6’6″, will look to use the bout to stay sharp. Kristian Prenga, known for his punching power, enters the ring with the intent of upsetting the heavyweight hierarchy. To prepare for the physical toll, Joshua has maintained his training even after a car accident in December 2025 that tragically claimed the lives of his friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
The global broadcast for “The Comeback” will be handled by DAZN through its PPV and Ultimate tiers. The streaming service’s show is expected to commence at 12:00 PM EST (9:00 AM PST), with the main event ringwalks scheduled for approximately 9:00 PM local time in Riyadh. This translates to 11:00 PM BST in the UK and 6:00 PM EST for American viewers.
Heavyweight landscape shifts as Fury showdown looms
The potential clash between Joshua and Fury has dominated boxing discourse for years. Recent developments suggest the long-awaited match is the closest it has ever been to fruition. Following his points win over Makhmudov, Fury’s team and Joshua’s promoters have worked to finalize terms that have eluded the sport during both men’s previous championship reigns.
While the UK prepares for a historic domestic collision, the broader heavyweight division remains active. Other contenders are also looking to secure their positions in the 2026 rankings. For example, prominent heavyweights like Jarrell Miller recently backed Filip Hrgovic to overcome rising prospects at the O2 Arena, highlighting the depth of the current scene.
Fans must also navigate a complex landscape of safety and regulation. The physical demands of the sport remain a talking point among elites, as seen when Oleksandr Usyk raised brain health concerns following recent heavyweight wars. For Joshua, the July 25 date is about precision and avoiding any unnecessary damage before the Fury mega-fight.
Ticket availability and viewing options for The Comeback
Official ticket sales for the Riyadh event have not yet opened on the primary platform Koobit. However, specific listings have appeared on the secondary market. Ticombo has five tickets available for the Jeddah Superdome starting from $151. Meanwhile, Seatpin has listed tickets for a venue referred to as “The Venue, Riyadh” for a 21:00 start.
In London, several sanctioned watch parties are already being advertised for the Saudi event. These venues are scheduled to open at 7:00 PM, with the broadcast extending until 2:00 AM. Ticket prices for these gatherings include limited general entry for £10, with special offers available for group bookings and July birthdays.
The undercard for the July 25 event has not been confirmed, as Joshua vs. Prenga is currently the only arranged bout. All eyes remain on whether Tyson Fury will accept the invitation to step into the ring after the final bell. If both heavyweights emerge from 2026 without further losses, their long-delayed meeting could finally break British pay-per-view records.
