Anthony Joshua (29-4, 26 KO) will return to the ring on July 25 in Saudi Arabia to face 35-year-old Albanian fighter Christian Prengi (20-1, 20 KO). The announcement was made official by Ring Magazine. Additionally, it is reported that a bout between Joshua and Tyson Fury has been officially agreed upon and will take place in the fourth quarter of 2026, specifically between October and December. The Joshua-Prengi fight serves as a tune-up before the anticipated showdown with Fury.
Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring on July 25 in Saudi Arabia, squaring off against Albanian heavyweight Christian Prengi in a bout officially confirmed by Ring Magazine.
Joshua, 36, enters the fight carrying a professional record of 29 wins and 4 losses, with 26 of those victories coming by way of knockout. The British heavyweight stands six-foot-six with a remarkable 82-inch reach, giving him one of the most imposing physical profiles in the division. The former unified world champion trains out of Boxing Works alongside Team GB staff and competes from an orthodox stance.
His opponent, Christian Prengi, is 35 years old and brings a near-perfect record of 20-1 to the contest, with all 20 of his wins coming inside the distance. The Albanian puncher's exceptional knockout ratio makes him a credible opponent despite his lower profile on the world stage.
Why it matters
- Joshua-Prengi serves as a scheduled tune-up ahead of a larger target, with the July 25 date positioning Joshua for a much bigger night before the end of the year.
- A fight between Joshua and Tyson Fury has been officially agreed upon, with the bout expected to take place between October and December 2026 in what would be a blockbuster all-British heavyweight collision.
- Prengi's 20-1 record and perfect finishing rate means Joshua cannot treat this as a routine outing, as any stumble would threaten the Fury mega-fight down the line.
- Saudi Arabia continues to establish itself as the premier destination for elite-level heavyweight boxing, hosting another marquee event on its growing schedule.
