Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring on July 25 in a comeback fight ahead of a long-anticipated clash with Tyson Fury.
The announcement was made by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh, who revealed that Joshua will face Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The bout is expected to take place during an Esports World Cup event and will be broadcast live on DAZN.
The fight will be Joshua’s first appearance since his knockout win over Jake Paul in December.
After that victory, Joshua was involved in a tragic road accident in Nigeria that reportedly claimed the lives of two close associates, while he escaped with minor injuries.
The boxer has since resumed training and is now said to have signed a two-fight agreement with Riyadh Season.
The deal reportedly includes the long-awaited showdown with Fury later this year.
Speaking after the announcement, Joshua said he used time away from the ring to rebuild and prepare for the next stage of his career.
He added that the July fight marks the beginning of his return and that he is ready to continue where he stopped.
The update has generated excitement among boxing fans, especially those waiting for the blockbuster all-British battle between Joshua and Fury.
