Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring on July 25 in a tune-up fight as he prepares for a long-anticipated bout with Tyson Fury.
Saudi Boxing Chief Turki Alalshikh announced on Monday that the former heavyweight champion will face Albanian boxer Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fight will be part of an ‘Esports World Cup’ event and will be broadcast live on DAZN.
The bout will be Joshua’s first since his knockout victory over Jake Paul in December.
After that win, Joshua was involved in a car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends. He sustained minor injuries.
He has since returned to training and has signed a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season, which includes a bout with Fury later in the year.
ALSO READ: Dangote pledges N550m hostel for FUTO, donates N25m to students
“To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening. It’s signed,” Alalshikh tweeted.
Joshua will need to get past Prenga to move forward with the planned Fury fight.
Joshua said: “It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back in to the ring, and today is the next step on that journey.
“I’m delighted to have agreed a multi-flight 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.”