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.
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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.
