Anthony Joshua comeback opponent confirmed

Anthony Joshua’s future in boxing has been widely discussed following the devastating car crash in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of his two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. AJ was rescued from the vehicle injured, and while the sport of boxing prayed for his recovery, many wondered if AJ would ever fight again. Turki Alalshikh has today confirmed recent rumours that Joshua will return to professional boxing with a fight against the little-known heavy-handed Albanian Kristian Prenga.

Anthony Joshua’s comeback fight confirmed for July 25

Part of the press release announcing the event read:

“His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, today announced Anthony Joshua will make his highly anticipated return to the ring on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia live worldwide on DAZN. The Olympic gold medallist and former two-time unified heavyweight world champion will headline “The Comeback,” as part of the Esports World Cup Festival, facing knockout artist Kristian Prenga in a heavyweight showdown.”

Anthony Joshua and Kristian Prenga react to fight news

Reacting to the news of his comeback fight, Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) appeared to send a little message to Tyson Fury:

“It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back into the ring and today is the next step on that journey. I’m delighted to have agreed a multi-fight deal starting with July 25th in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off. As I said. The landlord will collect his rent. That is certain.”

35-year-old Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs) is an unknown quantity who made his professional debut in 2016. Looking at his record, he obviously carries plenty of power. 

He will also be taking a huge step up in class to face AJ, but Prenga appears full of confidence:

“Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent. This is the kind of fight that changes everything in my life and his. I know they have big plans ahead after this fight. I know they are overlooking me. I’m happy about that. I will derail their plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia.”

*All quotes were taking from a press release announcing the event.