Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has issued a bold proclamation, asserting that he is currently stronger than ever, both mentally and physically. This declaration coincides with his upcoming return to the ring against Albanian knockout artist Christian Prenga in Saudi Arabia later this month.
As Joshua prepares for the highly anticipated showdown with long-time rival Tyson Fury, he reflects on how personal tragedy has reshaped his perspective and instilled in him a renewed sense of purpose. He acknowledges that these experiences may define this chapter in his illustrious career.
The 35-year-old boxer is set to face Prenga in Jeddah on July 25, knowing that a victory is crucial to keep alive the hopes of securing a much-anticipated bout in British boxing history.
Transformative Experiences in Joshua’s Life
Having not stepped into the ring since December 2025, Joshua opened up about how boxing provided solace during one of the most challenging times of his life, following the tragic loss of two close friends in a car accident in Nigeria late last year. He described this period as a catalyst for discovering an unprecedented level of resilience.
Joshua expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to the sport he loves and conveyed a chilling message to his competitors. “I’m building myself to be stronger than ever, not just physically but mentally as well. I realized I was much stronger than I thought,” he stated. This sentiment attests to his belief that he is reaching a new pinnacle in his career despite facing setbacks and criticism over the years.
Focusing on Victory Over Contracts
As excitement swells around the possibility of the long-awaited Joshua vs. Fury fight being finalized, Joshua remains unfazed by contract discussions. For him, the focus is solely on securing victory over Prenga first.
Despite ongoing talks suggesting potential agreements are in the works, Joshua stressed that true success comes only with a win. “I’m not happy. The joy really comes after the win. There’s no point in signing a contract,” he remarked. This statement reinforces his determination to remain centered on the task at hand without getting sidetracked by potential future opportunities.
Acknowledging the Challenges Ahead
Joshua is acutely aware of the hurdles that lie ahead in what he believes could be the most significant year of his professional career. With firm goals in mind, he recognizes that discipline and thorough preparation will be crucial for success.
“I have clear goals and know what this year means and how tough it will be. I’ve been training hard. That’s my life,” he asserted. These statements reflect his seriousness regarding both the fight against Prenga and the looming prospect of facing Fury later this year.
Possible Venue Shifts for Fury Clash
Meanwhile, the long-awaited heavyweight showdown between Joshua and Fury could be slated to occur outside the UK. Veteran promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that both the UK and the US are currently being considered as potential locations for the fight.
This revelation has taken many boxing officials by surprise, as favorites previously included either Saudi Arabia or Wembley Stadium. Hearn confirmed that negotiations are ongoing and that the ultimate decision will lie with Saudi boxing heavyweight Turki Alalshik. “The match will take place in mid-November, but Joshua must handle Prenga first,” he added.
Wembley Stadium: A Traditional Favorite
Despite growing interest from American venues, Wembley Stadium remains a sentimental favorite for Joshua and boxing fans alike. With Joshua having headlined four major pay-per-view events at Wembley, the iconic venue has become synonymous with his career. Fury’s most notable victory there occurred in 2022 when he stopped Dillian Whyte in six rounds.
A bout at Wembley could likely attract the largest crowd in British boxing history; however, Saudi Arabia’s increasing influence in modern boxing keeps alternative venues firmly in contention.
Prenga: The Immediate Challenge
Before any plans regarding Fury can materialize, Joshua must first face a formidable opponent in Christian Prenga. The New Jersey-based heavyweight enters the fight with an impressive record: 21 professional bouts, with 20 wins—all by knockout—against just one loss.
Not one to play the role of a stepping stone, Prenga has made clear his ambitions to derail Joshua’s plans. “I’ll ruin that fight,” he declared, referencing the anticipated clash between Joshua and Fury. He added, “Maybe Fury will fight me after knocking out Joshua? I’m going to shock the world,” injecting further intrigue into what many initially regarded as a straightforward prelude for Joshua.
Fury Prepares for His Comeback
As Joshua gears up for Prenga, Tyson Fury is also bracing for his return to the ring. The 37-year-old confirmed via social media that he will compete in Dublin on August 1, with details about his opponent still under wraps. Fury aims to rebound after his latest fights against Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, aiming to carve a triumphant path back to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.
