Anthony Joshua's return to the ring is being hailed as the "ultimate comeback" by his promoter Eddie Hearn, who also acknowledges the significant risk involved given the heavyweight's recent struggles, both personal and professional.
Joshua is set to face Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 25 July, leading up to a much-anticipated showdown against fellow Briton Tyson Fury later this year. The 36-year-old last fought in December, defeating YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, prior to being involved in a car crash in Nigeria that tragically claimed the lives of two members of his team.
"We also know the risk of this is everything that he's coming back from," Hearn told BBC Sport. "They're calling this a comeback. People might think that's quite strange because it's only six months after he last fought but it's actually the ultimate comeback. It's the comeback from the deepest of lows. Not just mentally and emotionally but physically as well. The injuries that he sustained in that crash, a lot of people would never fight again and I think the strength that he has shown is quite incredible."
Joshua's promoter emphasized the high stakes, noting that the Fury fight—expected to be the biggest payday of Joshua's career—is contingent on a victory over Prenga. "There is a lot of pressure going into this fight but there's also a lot of questions to be answered," said Hearn. "Physically, mentally, fighting again at all and that's why it's needed."
Prenga boasts a record of 20 wins, all by stoppage, and one loss. Hearn acknowledged the danger, stating that if Joshua cannot beat Prenga, he does not deserve to face Fury. "We know it's dangerous, but if you can't beat that guy then you don't really deserve to be in a ring with Tyson Fury," he added.
Joshua has 29 wins and four defeats from 33 professional fights. His last victory against a recognized opponent came against Otto Wallin in December 2023. The fight against Prenga will serve as a critical test of his readiness for the highly anticipated clash with Fury.