Former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will return to the ring to face Albanian contender Kristian Prenga in a 12-round main event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on July 25, 2026.
The bout at the Jeddah Superdome is a crucial matchup for the 36-year-old British boxer, who aims to secure a major showdown against fellow countryman Tyson Fury by the end of the year.
Joshua enters the fight following a knockout victory over Jake Paul in December, having won five of his last six bouts after back-to-back world title defeats to Oleksandr Usyk and an IBF belt loss to Daniel Dubois.
Joshua's Mindset and Goals
“I want to hurt him,” Joshua told DAZN Boxing, explaining that his competitive mindset requires full self-belief and absolute focus.
“It’s not nothing to do with him. It’s just me.
I believe in myself, and I know I can do it, and I want to prove to myself I’m a serious wrecking machine.
I got dynamite in both hands, and I want to punch with bad intentions,” Joshua said.
Joshua clarified that his pre-fight remarks are professional, not personal animosity toward the Albanian challenger.
“You got to take him out. You got to have the right mindset, the know-how and have full belief in yourself,” he said.
Acknowledging the pressure on the July event, Joshua emphasized his desire to deliver an impactful performance for fans.
“I want to perform. I want to win.
I want to fight Fury,” Joshua said.
The veteran boxer admitted that balancing the immediate challenge with long-term championship aspirations is a balancing act.
“I’ve got an obligation to my fans,” he said.
Joshua noted that pursuing undisputed status requires addressing both his immediate opponent and his long-term divisional targets.
“It is on Prenga, but it’s also on Fury because I want it all,” Joshua said.
He reaffirmed his ultimate competitive objective: “I’ve mentioned in this interview now, undisputed, world champion, Prenga, Fury, I want it all.”
Prenga's Confidence and Ambition
Prenga, a 35-year-old orthodox fighter based in New Jersey, holds a professional record of 20 victories and one defeat, with all wins via knockout, including 17 inside the first three rounds.
“I am training even harder because knocking out Joshua will bring me closer to my goal of becoming the first Albanian world heavyweight champion,” Prenga told interviewer James Stillerman.
The regional titleholder expressed pride in representing his country during a high-profile international event.
“Representing my country in a big fight like this will show the world how tough Albanians are.
My fans have been supporting me for so long in Albania and the United States. I will be fighting Joshua with all of Albania behind me,” Prenga said.
Prenga remains confident that his punching power will secure a monumental upset.
“He made a big mistake fighting me, and he is going to find out in the ring.
My arm will be raised after I knock out Joshua,” Prenga said.
The challenger outlined his tactical strategy: “I have power, and I am going to win. I will take him to uncomfortable places and be victorious on July 25th.”
Achieving victory in Saudi Arabia would culminate Prenga's decade-long career and sacrifices.
“It will mean the world to me. This is why I have worked so hard and sacrificed so much for so long,” Prenga said.
Prenga expressed excitement about competing in Riyadh, which has become a primary destination for elite heavyweight boxing.
“Most of the top fights are being held in Saudi Arabia, and I am honored to be fighting Joshua there,” Prenga said.
The Albanian boxer credited his success to rigorous discipline: “I hit hard and take no shortcuts in or out of the ring.
I also have a strong work ethic, and I am very disciplined.”
Reflecting on his first-round knockout victory over Joe Jones in February, Prenga said, “I did my job and kept my boxing dreams alive.”
He concluded with a message to fans: “Thanks for supporting me and watch me shock the world when I knock out Joshua.”
