Anthony Joshua has a confirmed fight date. The British-Nigerian heavyweight will face Kristian Prenga in a heavyweight bout scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the Esports World Cup event.
Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh confirmed the signing on April 27, 2026, via social media. Addressing fans in the United Kingdom directly, he wrote: “It’s happening. It’s signed.” A follow-up post confirmed the full details, including the broadcast arrangement: the fight will air live on DAZN.
Prenga is regarded as a dangerous finisher at heavyweight level, making him a meaningful test for Joshua as the former two-time unified champion looks to rebuild momentum. The bout represents Joshua’s opportunity to re-establish himself in the heavyweight division following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022 that cost him the IBF, WBA, and WBO titles.
Joshua’s return carries added weight given the circumstances surrounding his preparation. According to reports, the 36-year-old was involved in an accident in Lagos in the lead-up to this announcement, which had briefly raised questions about his immediate availability and future plans. His confirmation for the July date signals he has come through that episode without serious consequence.
The choice of Riyadh as host city is consistent with Joshua’s recent career trajectory. Saudi Arabia has become a central hub for high-profile boxing events, and Joshua has fought in the kingdom on multiple occasions, including both of his rematches with Usyk and his victories over Francis Ngannou and Otto Wallin. The Esports World Cup platform adds a cross-entertainment dimension to the event, in line with the kingdom’s broader sports and entertainment ambitions under its Vision 2030 programme.
Joshua’s last outing came in September 2024, when he suffered a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium — a defeat that further complicated his standing in the heavyweight rankings. The Prenga fight is therefore a critical step as Joshua attempts to work his way back toward another world title shot. According to reports, a future clash with Tyson Fury is also being lined up, with sources suggesting that contest could materialise later in 2026.
For Prenga, the Joshua fight represents a significant step up in opposition and a chance to announce himself on the global stage. A win over a fighter of Joshua’s profile and name recognition would immediately transform his standing in the heavyweight division.
The July 25 date gives both camps roughly three months to prepare, with DAZN’s global distribution ensuring the bout will reach audiences across Europe, Africa, and beyond.
