Anthony Joshua will return to boxing in a comeback bout on July 25 in Saudi Arabia.
The previous unified world champion will combat Kristian Prenga in Riyadh this summer time.
Will probably be Joshua’s first contest since returning to coaching after a automotive accident in Nigeria in December noticed two of his shut mates die.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Eddie Hearn reveals the newest on Anthony Joshua’s combat plans as negotiations with Tyson Fury advance.
It additionally comes as hypothesis mounts that Joshua will lastly combat his nice rival Tyson Fury later this yr.
Joshua stated: “It is no secret I’ve taken a while to consolidate and rebuild to be prepared for stepping again into the ring and at the moment is the following step on that journey. I am delighted to have agreed a multi-fight deal beginning with July 25 within 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.”
When may Joshua-Fury occur?
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh turbo-charged hypothesis that the combat between Joshua and Fury had been agreed when he posted on social media: “To my friends in Great Britain. It’s happening, it’s signed.”
Joshua may nicely be taking step one in direction of that conflict with Fury. His promoter Eddie Hearn beforehand advised Sky Sports activities that he wished AJ to have a tune-up bout in July after which meet Fury later this yr, doubtlessly in November.
Joshua does have a contract for the combat with Fury.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Tyson Fury grabbed the mic and bellowed a problem for Anthony Joshua to combat him subsequent, however did not get a transparent reply from his rival.
Hearn advised Sky Sports activities: “July and November are the two dates that have been presented to us now and we expect to move forward.
“Fury has simply had his tune-up combat with 12 actually very important rounds to get him sharp for the following one and I anticipate us to do the identical.”
After Fury outpointed Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium he directly called on Joshua to fight him next.
“I need you, AJ, Anthony Joshua. Let’s give the combat followers what they need – the Battle of Britain. I problem you Anthony Joshua to combat me the Gypsy King subsequent,” Fury declared.
“Do you settle for my problem?”
Joshua answered: “I have been chasing you the final 10 years, while you’re prepared you come and see me and inform me your phrases and situations.
“I’m the boss, you work for me. I’m the landlord. You work for me.”
If Joshua prevails in opposition to Prenga, he ought to be on track for that Fury combat, doubtlessly this yr.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
‘AJ will beat Fury!’ | Usyk on ‘serving to’ Joshua in camp
Who’s Kristian Prenga and what’s his report?
Albania’s Kristian Prenga is predicated within the USA and has good report on paper, 20 victories in opposition to only one defeat.
Each a type of skilled wins has come inside the gap too.
The lone loss on his ledger got here early in his profession, in opposition to then 1-2 Giovanni Auriemma in 2017.
Prenga stated: “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 do know they’ve massive plans forward after this combat. I do know they’re overlooking me. I am joyful about that. I’ll derail their plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia.”
