Anthony Joshua Sets Comeback Fight Months After Deadly Car Crash

Anthony Joshua Sets Comeback Fight Months After Deadly Car Crash Former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has confirmed his return to professional boxing, with a comeback bout scheduled for July in Saudi Arabia, months after a tragic road accident claimed the lives of two of his close associates. The British-Nigerian boxer will take on relatively unknown Albanian contender Kristian Prenga in what promoters have described as a rebuilding fight aimed at restoring Joshua’s momentum ahead of bigger heavyweight showdowns later in the year Joshua has been out of action since December 2025 when he survived a devastating car crash in Nigeria that killed two members of his inner circle shortly after his last fight. The tragedy forced the 36-year-old to step away from training and competition while recovering physically and emotionally. Promoter Eddie Hearn earlier revealed that Joshua needed time away from the sport before committing to another fight, with plans eventually shifting toward a mid-2026 return. The July bout marks Joshua’s first appearance in the ring since the incident and signals what his camp calls a fresh chapter in his career.

The contest is expected to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on July 25 as part of a major boxing card backed by Saudi organisers. The event has been labelled “The Comeback”, reflecting Joshua’s attempt to rebuild his career following the accident. Joshua enters the fight with a professional record of 29 wins and four defeats, while Prenga though less well known globally carries a strong knockout reputation and poses a potentially dangerous test. Boxing insiders view the Prenga clash as a tune-up contest ahead of a long-anticipated all-British heavyweight showdown between Joshua and longtime rival Tyson Fury. Reports indicate that discussions for a blockbuster Fury Joshua fight later in 2026 are already advanced, with Joshua needing a convincing performance in July to keep those plans on track. Once the dominant figure in the heavyweight division, Joshua is attempting to re-establish himself among boxing’s elite after a turbulent period marked by losses, trainer changes and personal tragedy. His upcoming bout in Saudi Arabia is therefore being framed not just as another fight, but as a crucial turning point both professionally and personally as he seeks redemption and a return to world-title contention.