Hearn Hails Anthony Joshua’s ‘Ultimate Comeback’ Ahead Of July Return

Promoter Eddie Hearn has praised Anthony Joshua ahead of the former world champion’s return to the ring in July, seven months after a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of his team.

Naija News reports that Anthony Joshua is set to face Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 25 July before a long-anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury later in the year.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Hearn described the comeback as the most significant of Joshua’s career.

“We also know the risk of this is everything that he’s coming back from,” Hearn said.

“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.”

Prenga enters the bout with a 20-1 professional record and has not tasted defeat for nine years.

Joshua last fought in December, stopping Jake Paul in the sixth round in Miami. The victory came after his IBF title defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

The July contest is expected to serve as preparation for the all-British clash with Fury, a fight long demanded by fans.

Hearn believes the warm-up is essential to ensure Joshua enters that showdown fully ready.

“There is a lot of pressure going into this fight, but there’s also a lot of questions to be answered,” he said.

“Physically, mentally, fighting again at all, and that’s why it’s needed.

“We want the best Anthony Joshua against Tyson Fury. We don’t want a guy that, ‘maybe he should’ve had a warm-up fight, he wasn’t quite ready’.

“We want to be 100 per cent ready for that fight and, if he is, he’ll beat him, and he’ll knock him out.”