Anthony Joshua has announced his comeback opponent after signing to fight Tyson Fury.
A long-awaited heavyweight battle between Joshua and Fury is now signed, Turki Alalshikh revealed on Monday.
However, ‘AJ’ will first fight in a warm-up bout on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia against unknown Albanian Kristian Prenga, an announcement off which was made moments after Alalshikh confirmed the Fury fight.
“It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back into the ring and today is the next step on that journey.
“I’m delighted to have agreed a multi-fight deal starting with July 25th in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off.
“As I said. The landlord will collect his rent. That is certain.”
The 36-year-old returns to action for the first time since stopping Jake Paul in Miami in December.
The two-time heavyweight world champion was involved in a fatal car crash 10 days later, which killed two of his friends and left him with minor injuries.
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He returns against Prenga, who has one defeat on his 21-fight professional record and has won 20 of his bouts by knockout.
The 35-year-old insists Joshua has made a mistake choosing him and has vowed to ruin his plans for a Fury bout.
“Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent.
“This is the kind of fight that changes everything in my life and his.
“I know they have big plans ahead after this fight.
“I know they are overlooking me.
“I’m happy about that.
“I will derail their plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia.”
Fury called out his long-time rival after beating Arslanbek Makhmudov by unanimous decision at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this month.
Joshua, who was watching on from ringside, declined Fury’s invitation to enter the ring.
According to Fury’s manager Spencer Brown, ‘The Gypsy King’ may have another bout before meeting ‘AJ’.
“We’re ready to go,” he said on Instagram.
“Tyson was out of the ring for two years, just jumped back in.
“We probably want another fight before the AJ fight.
“A proper warm-up fight and then we’re all ready to go.
“We’ve signed.
“We’re ready to rock and roll.”
