Anthony Joshua to face unknown heavyweight with 100 per cent KO ratio before Tyson Fury

Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring on July 25 for a warm-up fight ahead of a long-overdue matchup with Tyson Fury.

The Watford powerhouse will lock horns with unknown Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of an ‘Esports World Cup’ event, live on DAZN.

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It marks Joshua’s first fight since his knockout victory over Jake Paul in December.

Shortly after his win, AJ was involved in a tragic car accident in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends and left the former unified heavyweight champion with minor injuries.

He has since returned to training and has now signed a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season, which includes a clash with Fury at the back end of the year.

“To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening. It’s signed,” tweeted Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh on Monday.

In order to set up the big one, Joshua will have to get through Prenga first.

Joshua said: “It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back in to the ring, and today is the next step on that journey.

“I’m delighted to have agreed a multi-flight 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.”

Who is Kristian Prenga?

All of Prenga’s 20 victories (20-1) have come inside the distance.

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AFP

However, he has never faced anyone close to Joshua’s level.

His sole defeat came at the hands of Italian journeyman Giovanni Auriemma in 2017.

Since then, he has won 16 straight fights.

“Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent,” said Prenga.

“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.”

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