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Anthony Joshua will return to the ring on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, taking on Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga in what will be his first fight in more than seven months.
The former world heavyweight champion has been out of action since his emphatic knockout win over Jake Paul in December. His return marks the first step in what could be a defining second half of the year.
Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh confirmed the bout on Monday, announcing that Joshua has signed a two-fight agreement with Riyadh Season.
The July contest is widely seen as a tune-up ahead of a potential blockbuster clash with Tyson Fury, a fight boxing fans have demanded for years.
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Joshua said the break from competition had allowed him to reset and prepare for the next stage of his career.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
If Joshua comes through unscathed, attention will quickly shift to a long-awaited all-British showdown with Tyson Fury, a contest that would rank among the biggest fights in heavyweight boxing history.
