Anthony Joshua steps back into the ring tonight for the first time since a car crash that killed two of his close friends — a tragedy that came just ten days after he knocked out Jake Paul. The British heavyweight takes on Albania's Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, a fight that could be a stepping stone to a long-awaited all-British showdown with Tyson Fury.
Joshua has not fought since December 2025, when he dominated and stopped Jake Paul in the sixth round. But what should have been a moment of triumph turned to heartbreak: days after the fight, a car accident claimed the lives of two of his friends. Joshua survived. Tonight, he fights in their memory.
“Anthony Joshua makes ring return against Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, his first fight since a car crash that killed two friends.”
Prenga, 20-1 with all 20 wins coming by knockout, presents a real danger. The Albanian is on a 16-fight winning streak, having not lost since February 2017. He has vowed to 'shock the world' and ruin Joshua's plans for a blockbuster clash with Fury.
Talks between Joshua and Fury are ongoing. The Gypsy King has done his part, beating Mariusz Wach in his second fight of the year. A win for Joshua tonight would set the stage for one of the biggest fights in British boxing history. But first, he must get past Prenga.
The undercard features a number of other bouts, though details remain scarce. Moses Itauma is also preparing for a tough test against Filip Hrgovic in August.
For Joshua, this is more than a comeback. It is a chance to honour the friends he lost and reignite a career that promised so much. The boxing world watches, waiting to see if the tragedy has dulled his fire — or sharpened it.
