AJ's Return and the Final Test Before the Fury Showdown

Tonight, all eyes will be on the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia as one of modern boxing's most popular champions steps into the ring. Anthony Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) is set to make his 2026 debut against the dangerous Albanian, Kristian Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs), who enters the bout with an impressive knockout streak.

For Joshua, this fight is far more than just another professional contest. It marks his first appearance between the ropes since a devastating car accident in December 2025, which tragically claimed the lives of two of his closest friends, Sina Gami and Latif Ayodele. Prior to this tragic incident, AJ secured a sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul. Now, training with Oleksandr Usyk's team, the Briton appears determined to prove he still belongs among the world's elite. At the official weigh-in, Joshua tipped the scales at 113.9 kg (nearly 4 kilograms heavier than his fight against Jake Paul).

While the Briton is the absolute bookmakers' favorite, Kristian Prenga is not an opponent to be underestimated. The 35-year-old Albanian has secured all 20 of his victories by knockout, with eight of those coming in the very first round. Prenga is the heavier of the two fighters, weighing in at 118.6 kg. His sole loss came on points over nine years ago, but this bout against the former two-time unified champion represents the biggest challenge of his career to date.

Joshua's ultimate goal is clear: the long-awaited all-British showdown against Tyson Fury, scheduled for November this year. Fury has already done his part, defeating Mariusz Wach in Thailand just a day earlier. "The reality is there is no future if I don't get past this checkpoint on Saturday night," Joshua stated during the press conference in Jeddah.

The fight night in Saudi Arabia also features two thrilling world title clashes. Hamzah Sheeraz (23-0-1) will defend his WBO super-middleweight belt against Germany's Simon Zachenhuber (29-1). In another intriguing matchup, Josh Kelly will face the undefeated Kuiivin Agyarko (18-0) in defense of his IBF junior-middleweight title.

The main card is set to begin at 8:00 PM Bulgarian time, with Anthony Joshua and Kristian Prenga expected to make their ring walks around midnight. Sportal.bg will provide live coverage of AJ's return.