Anthony Joshua has been out of action since defeating Jake Paul, but has agreed a multi-fight deal that kicks off in against a relatively unknown star – with a showdown against Tyson Fury to follow
Anthony Joshua will face unknown opponent Kristian Prenga on July 25 before eventually squaring off with long-standing rival Tyson Fury.
The former two-time heavyweight champion hasn’t competed since savagely demolishing YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul back in December. Joshua had been anticipated to return to the ring in March, but was caught up in a fatal car crash in Nigeria – which led to the deaths of close mates Kevin Ayodele and Sina Ghami – just days following his victory over Paul.
Following a period away to recuperate from such a harrowing near-death ordeal, the 36 year old has recently been spotted training with former rival-turned-ally Oleksandr Usyk over in Valencia. The Brit made his first UK appearance since the accident earlier this month, backing good mate Derek Chisora in his bout with Deontay Wilder.
Days afterwards, he was also at ringside to witness Tyson Fury glide to victory against Arslanbek Makhmudov. The ‘Gypsy King’ then demanded a swift turnaround clash with Joshua – with the latter subsequently declining.
However, Joshua has now accepted terms to battle Fury in November – providing he defeats Prenga in Riyhad, Saudi Arabia this summer in a fight to be broadcast on DAZN, reports the Mirror.
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 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.”
Albanian heavyweight Prenga has secured 20 of his victories by knockout and boasts just a single loss on his record. The 35 year old declared: “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.”