Joshua sets sight on Prenga tune-up fight July 25

Anthony Joshua is on a collision course with Tyson Fury, but he will have to get through Kristian Prenga first.

The unknown Albanian heavyweight has been selected as a tune-up opponent for AJ ahead of the long-awaited all-British showdown, tentatively pencilled in for November.

Prenga (20-1) isn’t expected to cause Joshua too many problems, though he does boast a 100 per cent knockout ratio.

That being said, the 35-year-old has never fought anyone close to Joshua’s calibre, while his sole defeat came at the hands of a journeyman with a losing record.

Joshua (29-4) hasn’t set foot in the ring since his knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

Shortly after the win, he was involved in a fatal car accident that killed two of his close friends and left him in the hospital with minor injuries.

Joshua will look to blow off the cobwebs against Prenga before the big one at the end of the year.

Joshua is set to square off with Prenga on Saturday, July 25.

It will take place at Jeddah Superdome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The fight will be broadcast on DAZN and can be watched at no extra cost by both DAZN Ultimate and standard members.

Joshua 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 25th 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.”

Prenga added: “Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent.

“This is the kind of fight that changes everything in my life and his.

“I know they have big plans ahead after this fight.

“I know they are overlooking me. I’m happy about that.

“I will derail their plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia.”