Promoter Eddie Hearn says the Jeddah bout on July 25 marks Anthony Joshua’s most emotional comeback since the December car crash that killed childhood friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. The two‑time heavyweight champion will face Albanian challenger Kristian Prenga, stepping into the ring after a six‑month layoff and months of intensive rehab. Hearn stresses the fight is about more than titles.

Joshua told the press conference he is putting his own feelings aside to act as a ‘good soldier’ for the grieving families, a priority Hearn says outweighs the bout itself. He has been training three times daily in Spain, focusing on regaining strength and channeling vengeance for Ghami and Ayodele. The promoter believes this mental fire will fuel a dominant performance.

A win over Prenga would propel Joshua toward a potential showdown with Tyson Fury later in the year, keeping the UK as the frontrunner venue while leaving open options in the US or Saudi Arabia. Hearn insists the fighter’s renewed hunger, despite already possessing wealth and two world belts, makes this clash a decisive step toward that blockbuster clash.