Anthony Joshua signs contract for July 25 fight, with mega-bout against Tyson Fury also confirmed

Anthony Joshua's 2026 fight schedule takes shape

According to Главком: British boxer Anthony Joshua has announced his first bout of 2026, set for July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His opponent will be Albanian fighter Kristian Prenga. Additionally, a contract has been signed for a showdown between Joshua and Tyson Fury later in 2026, confirming both fighters' commitment to the matchup.

Turki Alalshikh stated: 'To my friends in the United Kingdom: It is happening. It is signed.'

Kristian Prenga's record and background

Kristian Prenga, who has been boxing professionally since 2016, has only one loss in 21 fights. That defeat came in February 2017 against Dutch boxer Giovanni Auriemma via unanimous decision. Prenga has won 20 bouts by knockout and is currently on a 16-fight winning streak. In February 2026, he knocked out American Joe Jones in the first round of an eight-round bout, underscoring his readiness for the upcoming match against Joshua.

Anthony Joshua last stepped into the ring in December 2025, knocking out Jake Paul. However, that period was also marked by personal tragedy: in December 2025, Joshua was involved in a car accident that claimed the lives of two of his trainers. Despite these challenges, Joshua has been actively preparing for his return. In March 2026, he visited Ukraine alongside Oleksandr Usyk, training at the Ukrainian boxer's camp.

As a result, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Joshua, with his first fight against Prenga and a planned bout with Fury later in the year. The boxers and organizers continue to take steps to bring these major events in professional boxing to fruition. The successful execution of these scheduled fights could significantly impact Joshua's career and help restore his standing in the boxing community following the tragic events of the previous year.

As Joshua gears up for his upcoming match, the anticipation continues to build regarding his future opponents. Eddie Hearn is expected to announce Joshua's next challenger soon, with the possibility of a high-stakes bout against Tyson Fury looming on the horizon. This could set the stage for a significant turning point in Joshua's career as he aims to reclaim his status in the boxing world.