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Joshua Returns to Ring in Riyadh on 25 July

BBC Sport •
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Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has confirmed a return to the ring after a July car crash that halted his career. The former world titleholder will face Norwegian contender Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on 25 July. The fight marks Joshua's first bout since the accident, sparking curiosity among fans and analysts alike, ahead of the global boxing calendar for the sport.

Joshua’s comeback arrives at a time when the heavyweight division seeks fresh contenders after the retirement of several veterans. Facing Prenga, a rising star, offers a measurable challenge without pitting him against the top‑tier elite yet. The bout will test Joshua’s resilience and gauge his readiness to re‑enter title contention once more, in the upcoming championship cycle for the sport.

Fans will watch how Joshua’s training regimen has recovered post‑accident, particularly his power output and conditioning. Should he win decisively, the win could propel him back into the top rankings, positioning him for a potential rematch against the current champion. The 25 July fight therefore carries both redemption and strategic significance for a boxer eager to reclaim his status in the sport.

Riyadh’s venue, a high‑profile arena hosting world‑class events, adds prestige to Joshua’s return. The match will be broadcast worldwide, offering a rare glimpse of the former champion’s form after a long layoff. With stakes high, the outcome will shape the narrative of the heavyweight scene for the remainder of the year in the global boxing calendar this season for fans.