Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua will return to the ring on July 25 in a comeback fight against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh.
TheTimes Nigeria reports that the bout in Saudi Arabia will be Anthony Joshua’s first since he survived a fatal car crash in Nigeria in December that left him injured and claimed the lives of two members of his team. His last fight came earlier that month against Jake Paul.
Joshua confirmed he has signed a multi-fight deal ahead of his return.
He said: “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 25 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.”
The fight comes amid growing talk of a long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury. Saudi boxing official Turki Alalsheikh posted on social media: “To my friends in Great Britain, it’s happening. It’s signed.”
Fury recently returned to action with a unanimous decision win over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
After the fight, Fury said: “Thank you everyone for coming out tonight. I really appreciate every single one of you guys. 16 months out and we fill up Tottenham again. But like I said, let me get Arslanbek Makhmudov out the way and we’ll talk next.
“Next I want to give you the fight you’ve all been waiting for. I want you, AJ. Anthony Joshua.
“Let’s give the fight fans what they want. Here’s my challenge. I challenge you Anthony Joshua, to fight me, Tyson Fury, the Gypsy King, NEXT!
“Do you accept my challenge? Let him say yes or no now. Come on you big s***house, are you going to fight or not?”
Joshua replied: “Tyson you’re a clout chaser. I’ve never had no problem getting in the ring with you.
“I punched you up when we were kids. And after watching you here tonight, I’ll punch you up again. With all due respect, tonight is your night and you know I’ll sit across that ring from you in due time.
“You ain’t going to tell me what to do. I’ve been chasing you for the last 10 years. When you’re ready, you come and see me and tell me your terms and conditions and I’ll have you in the ring when I’m ready.
“I’m the boss. You work for me. I’m the landlord, remember that, you work for me.”
A fight between the two rivals is expected later this year if Joshua comes through his July return without injury.
