Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga Undercard Announced for Comeback Fight

Anthony Joshua will make his return to the ring next week, and the full undercard for his fight against Kristian Prenga has been announced. The former two-time heavyweight champion is set to fight in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 25, 2026, seven months after a near-fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of his close friends Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

Joshua's Comeback and Road to Fury

Joshua has not fought since his sixth-round knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul last Christmas. A win against Prenga is expected to set up a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury, who is scheduled to face Poland's Mariusz Wach in Pattaya, Thailand, on July 24. The undercard for Joshua vs Prenga features 12 fights, announced after a slight delay.

Co-Main Event and Key Bouts

In the co-main event, Britain's Hamzah Sheeraz will defend his WBO super middleweight title for the first time against Simon Zachenhuber. Zachenhuber suffered a shock defeat to Pawel Augustynik on the Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov undercard in April but rebounded with a win over Armin Ajrulai. Augustynik is also on the card, facing undefeated Danish fighter Jacob Bank.

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Josh Kelly will make the first defence of his IBF super welterweight title against unbeaten Irish challenger Caoimhin Agyarko. Kelly won the belt in January via unanimous decision over Bakhram Murtazaliev. Japanese featherweight prospect Reito Tsutsumi, fresh off an impressive stoppage win in Riyadh in December, faces fellow undefeated fighter Alvino Herrera.

Olympic gold medallist Oleksandr Khyzhniak will make his second professional appearance against Frenchman Lenny Patrach. British flyweight Mikie Tallon returns against Venezuela's Orlando Pino.

Joshua's Preparation and Mindset

Joshua revealed he began ramping up training two months ago, stating: "Really about two months ago. I was training but there’s levels to training. Two months ago I started really ramping things up, so it’s been good. Pre camp has been solid, obviously getting fitter, stronger so I can push myself more. I’m in a good place for today."

He emphasised his mental strength: "Mentally, very strong. Physically just got to get yourself back to basically sparring." On his motivation, Joshua said: "No because it’s my purpose. Boxing is not only good for the competitive side of things it’s quite therapeutic. It gives us purpose. That’s what it does for me and I think this is a place where … I know it is the place where I am most comfortable. It gives me a purpose in my life."