Anthony Joshua entered the Riyadh ring on July 25 with a solemn mission. The two‑time world champion was a passenger when friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele died in a Nigerian crash, and he vowed to fight for their parents. Speaking on the 5 Live Boxing podcast, Joshua said he stands “as a soldier” for the grieving families to his resolve.

Joshua’s first bout since the tragedy pits him against relatively unknown Albanian Kristian Prenga, a 20‑win stop‑powerhouse now based in New Jersey. Prenga boasts a 20‑1 record, all victories by KO, and promises a shock performance. The winner clears the way for a long‑awaited clash with Tyson Fury, a showdown that could deliver both fighters career‑high purses.

Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the Fury fight remains on the calendar for October or November, but only if Joshua dispatches Prenga. Hearn also revealed plans for a March bout with Rico Verhoeven were scrapped after the crash. Joshua, 36, projected confidence, noting improved fitness and defence from sparring with Oleksandr Usyk, and left the face‑off with a firm handshake after the press conference.