Anthony Joshua returns to the ring on Saturday night when he faces Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia, with victory expected to move him closer to a long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury.
The former world heavyweight champion will make his first appearance since defeating Jake Paul and returning to training after taking time away following the deaths of two close friends in a car accident last December in Nigeria.
Reports have suggested Joshua and Fury have already agreed terms for a blockbuster all-British showdown later this year, provided both men win their respective warm-up bouts.
Joshua begins new chapter
Joshua’s fight against Prenga marks the start of a multi-fight agreement and represents the next stage of his comeback after the painful losses.
The bout will take place at the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia, with the main event ring walks expected at about 10:52 p.m. WAT, and match proper at 11:00 p.m.
Speaking ahead of the contest, Joshua said he is ready to return to competition after months of rebuilding.
“It is 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.”
He added:
“I’m delighted to have agreed a multi-fight deal starting with July 25th in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
“I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off.”
Prenga eyes major upset
Joshua enters the fight as the overwhelming favourite despite Prenga bringing a 20-1 professional record into the contest.
The Albanian, who stands 6ft 5in, believes he has been underestimated and is capable of producing the biggest victory of his career.
“Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent.”
Prenga also claimed Joshua’s camp is already looking beyond Saturday’s fight.
“I know they have big plans after this fight. I know they are overlooking me. I’m happy about that.”
Joshua has lost only four times as a professional, with defeats coming against Andy Ruiz Jr, Oleksandr Usyk twice and Daniel Dubois.
A victory over Prenga would strengthen expectations of a long-awaited meeting with Tyson Fury in one of the biggest fights in British boxing.