Two world title bouts, featuring Hamzah Sheeraz and Josh Kelly, are set to significantly bolster the Anthony Joshua “The Comeback” undercard in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Both champions will defend their respective belts on Saturday, July 25, adding considerable depth to the highly anticipated event.
Sheeraz puts his WBO Super Middleweight Title on the line, while Kelly makes the first defense of his IBF Super Welterweight strap. Their inclusion ensures the Anthony Joshua undercard is packed with high-stakes action, enhancing the spectacle for fight fans worldwide.
Sheeraz defends WBO super middleweight title
Hamzah Sheeraz, boasting an impressive 23-0-1 record with 19 knockouts, faces Simon Zachenhuber in a compelling co-main event. This marks Sheeraz’s initial defense of the WBO Super Middleweight Title, a belt he only secured in May.
He captured the vacant championship by stopping Alem Begic in a memorable contest at the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, an event many considered a historic moment for boxing. His opponent, Zachenhuber, brings a mixed recent record into the ring, having suffered a defeat to Pawel Augustynik in April before returning to winning ways two months later.
Kelly faces unbeaten Irish challenger Caoimhin Agyarko
Josh Kelly (17-1-1, 9 KOs) will also make his first defense of the IBF Super Welterweight Title. He takes on the unbeaten Irish challenger Caoimhin Agyarko (17-0, 8 KOs).
Kelly claimed his championship with a majority decision victory over Bakhram Murtazaliev back in January. Agyarko, a formidable prospect, is now set for his first world title opportunity, arriving with a perfect professional record that promises a high-stakes encounter.
Anthony Joshua headlines “The Comeback” event
The main event sees Anthony Joshua, 36, return to the ring against 35-year-old Kristian Prenga. This heavyweight showdown carries significant personal weight for the British star.
Joshua is fighting seven months after a tragic car crash in Nigeria claimed the lives of his close friends Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. This bout in Jeddah represents both a personal and professional resurgence for him.
Prenga fight sets stage for potential Fury clash
Joshua’s last competitive outing was a sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul last Christmas, a performance that showcased his enduring power. Many observers view the fight against Prenga as a strategic tune-up, a calculated step toward bigger challenges.
Speculation remains high for a potential mega-fight against Tyson Fury later in the year, a matchup boxing fans have long craved. That much anticipated Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua bout has been in the works for some time, with contract talks often stalling negotiations.
Interestingly, Fury himself is expected to be in action a day earlier, facing Mariusz Wach in Pattaya, Thailand, on July 24. This scheduling keeps both heavyweights on track for what could be an undisputed title clash, further fueling anticipation.
The full “The Comeback” undercard lineup
Saudi boxing financier His Excellency Turki Alalshikh officially announced the full undercard, ensuring a night packed with diverse boxing talent. Beyond the two world title fights, the event features a mix of rising prospects and experienced contenders across several weight classes.
This comprehensive lineup demonstrates a clear commitment to delivering a full evening of high-quality boxing action. It caters to a wide audience, from those interested in top-tier championship fights to those tracking the sport’s future stars.
- Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Simon Zachenhuber (WBO World Super Middleweight Championship)
- Josh Kelly vs. Caoimhin Agyarko (IBF World Super Welterweight Championship)
- Reito Tsutsumi vs. Alvino Herrera (Featherweight)
- Oleksandr Khyzhniak vs. Lenny Patrach (Light Heavyweight)
- Mikie Tallon vs. Orlando Pino (Flyweight)
- Pawel August vs. Jacob Bank
- Nishant Dev vs. Cesar Diaz
- Mohammed Alakel vs. Lydon Chircop
- Ziyad Almaayouf vs. Frank Mango
- Sultan Almohammed vs. Efren Besalduch
- Omar Hikal vs. Brian Castellano
- Mohamed Mabrouk vs. Bryan Zapata
Saudi Arabia solidifies role in global boxing
The “The Comeback” event, set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, either at the Jeddah Superdome or King Abdullah Sports City, underscores the Kingdom’s increasing influence in the sport. Jeddah Season, in association with Riyadh Season, Matchroom Boxing, SELA, and Goldstar, organized this major collaborative effort.
Financed by Turki Alalshikh, these events are becoming a regular fixture on the international boxing calendar. This signifies a concerted effort to establish the region as a premier destination for world-class combat sports, attracting both major names and substantial investment.
Broadcast and fight week schedule details
Fans worldwide can catch all the action exclusively on DAZN, which will broadcast the event live. It’s available as a one-off pay-per-view purchase or included as part of a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription, offering flexible viewing options.
The fight week itself promises a series of engaging events leading up to fight night. Grand Arrivals are scheduled for July 22 at the Jeddah Yacht Club, building early excitement. A press conference follows on Thursday, July 24, with the official weigh-in set for Friday, July 25, at Jeddah Promenade, all streamed live on DAZN.
What this high-stakes card means for the sport
For Hamzah Sheeraz and Josh Kelly, defending their titles on such a high-profile card means immense exposure and a chance to solidify their championship reigns. Performing well here could open doors to even bigger fights and further elevate their global standing within the sport.
Sheeraz, for instance, has already been linked with potential future matchups against stars like Canelo Alvarez, highlighting the career trajectory these events can offer. Successfully navigating their defenses in Jeddah is crucial for these young champions to advance their careers.
More broadly, the inclusion of two world championship fights on an undercard signals a significant trend in Saudi boxing promotions. They aim to deliver maximum value to the audience, creating an entire card of compelling, high-stakes contests beyond just the main event.
This strategy differentiates Saudi-backed events, making them attractive to both fighters and fans. It represents a substantial investment in boxing, ensuring competitive matchups and showcasing a wide array of global talent. The ongoing commitment also provides a new, lucrative platform for fighters, attracting major names to compete on a grand stage.
