ANTHONY JOSHUA VS KRISTIAN PRENGA TO TAKE PLACE IN JEDDAH ON JULY 25 – LIVE ON DAZN – AS HEAVYWEIGHTS FACE-OFF IN LONDON
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 02 Jun 2026
Anthony Joshua’s highly anticipated return against Kristian Prenga on Saturday, July 25 – live worldwide on DAZN – will now take place at the Jeddah Superdome, it was announced today.
It will be the second time the two-time Unified Heavyweight World Champion has fought in Jeddah, this time headlining at the 40,000-seater, state-of-the-art arena in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – in association with Matchroom Boxing, SELA, Goldstar, Riyadh Season and Jeddah Season.
In Joshua’s last visit to Jeddah, he took the reigning, lineal Heavyweight king – and his new stablemate – Oleksandr Usyk the distance back in 2023, only falling short in a pulsating split decision defeat.
But the British boxing great will be looking for a happier outcome this summer when he takes on the Albanian knockout artist Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs) in ‘The Comeback’.
AJ (29-6, 26 KOs) sized up his rival for the first time this evening at a launch Press Conference in London – and revealed he is confident he’ll get the job done in style in Jeddah.
Speaking at Exhibition White City this evening, Joshua said: “I know exactly what I need to do. I’m not worried about respecting this particular opponent, but when I look at myself, I know I’m going to deliver. This is my division.
“July 25 in Jeddah, the best man will win. I’m going to go in there and show how good I am. I’m going to show him my class, my skill and my boxing IQ and see if he can survive my power as well.”
Prenga, however, insisted he is not coming to Jeddah to make up the numbers and is determined to spring a huge upset.
“I respect AJ, he’s a great fighter and I’ve watched him from his first fight, but I think now is my time.” said Prenga.
“I’ve trained more than ever, I feel great, I feel ready and I’m going to show the world. I’m not a talker, I’m a puncher. If I catch you [AJ] you’ve never felt a punch like it. I respect him but in the ring I have no respect for anybody.”
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn is excited to see Joshua back in the ring and highlighted his resilience to return to the heavyweight division.
Hearn said: “We’re incredibly proud of what he’s done to return to the ring physically, mentally, emotionally, and as AJ said, boxing is his purpose.
“The reason why we have these big heavyweight matchups is because of the energy and purpose that this man injected into the sport over the last 15 years. It’s one of the great comebacks and I think you will see the very best Anthony Joshua in Jeddah on July 25.”
The Ring CEO Rick Reeno is looking forward to Joshua’s return in Jeddah and highlighted the credentials of his Albanian opponent.
Reeno said: “The heavyweight division needs the return of Anthony Joshua. We know Prenga can punch, but we don’t know whether or not he can deal with a world-class operator like AJ.”
Further news on undercard fights and details of how to apply for Fight Week event and Fight Night accreditation will follow in due course.
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