Riyadh bout puts Joshua in with unbeaten knockout puncher as he sharpens timing for Tyson Fury clash
Anthony Joshua is back on July 25 in Riyadh against Kristian Prenga with Tyson Fury waiting next. This is rounds under pressure against a puncher who will close distance and make him work from the opening bell.
The result will determine how quickly negotiations for Fury can be finalized. Fury is the road. This date is the step that must be handled right. He just went rounds with Arslanbek Makhmudov and got work in. He will expect Joshua to do the same, take the center, keep his shape, and show control across rounds.
Joshua is 28-4 with 25 knockouts. He stopped Jake Paul last time out, but the last proven heavyweight he faced put him on the deck. That gets answered with steady work, not talk.
Prenga brings 20 knockouts from 20 wins. He steps in and throws with bad intentions. Short hooks, straight rights, no waiting. He looks to catch you while you’re finding your rhythm.
Prenga said: “Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent.”
He added: “I will derail their plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia.”
Joshua said: “I’m delighted to have agreed a multi-fight deal starting with July 25th in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
He added: “The landlord will collect his rent. That is certain.”
‼️ FURY VS JOSHUA IS ON ‼️
Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua is now a done deal and will take place in the fourth quarter of this year on Netflix, The Ring's @MikeCoppinger has revealed. pic.twitter.com/UhSnYmZgbg
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) April 27, 2026
With Fury next, this isn’t about loading up for a finish. Joshua needs to work behind his jab, set and drive the straight right with full power. A puncher like Prenga keeps moving forward and drags you into exchanges whether you want them or not.
Fury brings a different look. Long arms, ties you up on the inside, leans on you, and breaks your rhythm over long rounds. You don’t outmuscle that. You keep your stance, punch in angles, and stay disciplined.
July 25 is not a showcase. It’s rounds, control, and clean work.
This fight shows whether Joshua can hold the center and keep his combinations flowing before stepping in with Fury.
