Anthony Joshua has formally agreed to fight fellow former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, according to promoter Eddie Hearn. The long-awaited showdown between British boxing titans is finally set after years of failed negotiations and false starts.
Joshua, 36, will first face Albanian Kristian Prenga in a comeback fight on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout serves as a warm-up before the blockbuster clash with Fury, who called out Joshua immediately after his recent win over Arslanbek Makhmudov.
"As I said, the landlord will collect his rent. That is certain," Joshua stated. The two-time world champion has not fought since a December car crash in Nigeria that killed two members of his team. Joshua was a passenger in the vehicle and has since taken time to "consolidate and rebuild."
Hearn posted on Monday that the Fury fight is "signed, sealed and delivered." A date or venue has yet to be confirmed, but Hearn previously suggested a November date on streaming platform Netflix.
Prenga, 35, holds a record of 20 wins (all by stoppage) and one loss, but is largely unknown outside hardcore boxing circles. Joshua's promoter insists the interim fight is necessary for the fighter to regain ring sharpness and mental readiness after personal tragedy.
Analysis
The fight British boxing fans have craved for nearly a decade is finally within reach. Joshua's return against Prenga is a low-risk step to shake off rust and rebuild confidence after consecutive setbacks: a loss to Daniel Dubois, a fight with former UFC champion Francis Ngannou, and the devastating car crash. As long as Joshua emerges victorious in July, the stage is set for an all-British heavyweight super-fight that could define both men's legacies.