Joshua announces fight against heavyweight with huge KO record | Boxing | Sport

Anthony Joshua will face unknown opponent Kristian Prenga on July 25 before ultimately stepping into the ring with long-time rival Tyson Fury.

The former two-time heavyweight champion has not competed since ruthlessly demolishing YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul back in December. Joshua had been anticipated to return to the ring in February, but was caught up in a fatal car crash in Nigeria – which claimed the lives of close friends Kevin Ayodele and Sina Ghami – just days following his victory over Paul.

Following a period away to recuperate from such a harrowing near-death ordeal, the 36-year-old has recently been spotted training with ex-rival-turned-friend Oleksandr Usyk over in Valencia. The Brit made his first UK appearance since the accident earlier this month, backing good friend Derek Chisora in his bout with Deontay Wilder.

Just days afterwards, he was also at ringside to witness Tyson Fury sail to victory against Arslanbek Makhmudov. The ‘Gypsy King’ subsequently called for a rapid turnaround clash with Joshua – with the latter proceeding to decline.

All Joshua must do is emerge from his bout with Prenga unharmed, and will subsequently secure his dream showdown with the ‘Gypsy King’ which has been almost a decade in the making. The two heavyweight legends had agreed to meet five years ago, but a legal ruling compelled Fury into fighting Deontay Wilder for a third time.

Joshua said: “It’s 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. I’m delighted to have agreed a multi-fight deal starting with July 25 in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off. As I said. The landlord will collect his rent. That is certain.”

Albanian heavyweight Prenga has secured 20 of his victories by knockout and has suffered just one defeat throughout his career. The 35-year-old said: “Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent.

“This is the kind of fight that changes everything in my life and his. I know they have big plans ahead after this fight. I know they are overlooking me. I’m happy about that. I will derail their plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia.”