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TURKI ALALSHIKH: ‘AJ vs PRENGA IN JEDDAH REINFORCES SAUDI ARABIA’S POSITION AS DESTINATION FOR WORLD’S LEADING EVENTS’
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and President of the Saudi Boxing Federation, affirmed that “The Comeback” bout between British heavyweight Anthony Joshua and Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga, scheduled to take place on July 25 at Jeddah Superdome as part of Jeddah Calendar and in collaboration with Riyadh Season, continues to attract significant media and public attention since its announcement.

The event reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing status as a host of major international sporting and entertainment events and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.

This came as the official launch press conference for the bout was held today in London, marking the first media appearance and first face-off between Joshua and Prenga since the fight was announced. The event drew extensive media coverage and heightened anticipation among boxing fans and international media ahead of one of the year’s most anticipated heavyweight contests.

HE Turki Alalshikh said: “Today, we are witnessing growing global interest in the events hosted by the Kingdom, and that is clearly reflected in the level of anticipation and attention surrounding this bout since its announcement. We look forward to delivering an exceptional experience for fans through ‘The Comeback’ and to building on the Kingdom’s success in hosting some of the world’s biggest sporting and entertainment events, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a destination for leading international events and personalities.”

Anthony Joshua said: “I would like to thank HE Turki Alalshikh for making this fight possible. I have a clear goal in mind, and I fully understand the challenge ahead of me. I remain focused on my preparation and training, and I believe I am in the best shape possible heading into this fight. On July 25, the better man will win. Boxing has given me an incredible opportunity because it is both my profession and my passion. The work I have put in during training has made me stronger, and I look forward to showing everyone what I am capable of inside the ring.”

Kristian Prenga said: “I have great respect for Anthony Joshua and everything he has achieved in boxing. He is a great fighter. But everyone has their moment, and I believe this is mine. I have never trained with this level of focus and determination before, and I feel stronger and more prepared than ever. I am ready for this challenge, and I look forward to delivering a statement performance and shocking the world on July 25 in Jeddah.”

Joshua headlines “The Comeback” following a distinguished career that has established him as one of the most prominent heavyweight boxers of the past decade. He holds a professional record of 28 wins and 4 losses, including 25 knockouts, with his most recent win coming by knockout against American boxer Jake Paul in December 2025.

The London 2012 Olympic gold medallist and former two-time unified heavyweight world champion is regarded as one of boxing’s most influential figures, having secured landmark victories over Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko, New Zealand’s Joseph Parker, Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev, and Mexican-AmericanAndy Ruiz Jr. He has also featured in major bouts against Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, Britain’s Daniel Dubois, and Cameroonian Francis Ngannou, headlining major events at iconic venues including Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

Meanwhile, Albanian contender Kristian Prenga enters the contest with an impressive record of 20 wins, all by knockout, and only one defeat. Having turned professional in 2016, Prenga is set to compete in the highest-profile fight of his career and make his first appearance in a major international main event.

The bout forms part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing success in attracting world-class events. Riyadh Season has established itself as a leading platform for major international sporting and entertainment events, while Jeddah Calendar continues to strengthen its position as a destination for distinctive global experiences, contributing to exceptional entertainment offerings and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s standing on the global events map.

ANTHONY JOSHUA VS KRISTIAN PRENGA TO TAKE PLACE IN JEDDAH ON JULY 25 – LIVE ON DAZN – AS HEAVYWEIGHTS FACE OFF IN LONDON

Anthony Joshua’s highly anticipated return against Kristian Prenga on Saturday, July 25 – live worldwide on DAZN – will now take place at the Jeddah Superdome, it was announced today.

It will be the second time the two-time Unified Heavyweight World Champion has fought in Jeddah, this time headlining at the 40,000-seater, state-of-the-art arena in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – in association with Matchroom Boxing, SELA, Goldstar, Riyadh Season and Jeddah Season.

In Joshua’s last visit to Jeddah, he took the reigning, lineal Heavyweight king – and his new stablemate – Oleksandr Usyk the distance back in 2023, only falling short in a pulsating split-decision defeat.

But the British boxing great will be looking for a happier outcome this summer when he takes on the Albanian knockout artist Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs) in ‘The Comeback’.

AJ (29-6, 26 KOs) sized up his rival for the first time this evening at a launch Press Conference in London – and revealed he is confident he’ll get the job done in style in Jeddah.

Speaking at Exhibition White City this evening, Joshua said: “I know exactly what I need to do. I’m not worried about respecting this particular opponent, but when I look at myself, I know I’m going to deliver. This is my division.

“July 25 in Jeddah, the best man will win. I’m going to go in there and show how good I am. I’m going to show him my class, my skill and my boxing IQ and see if he can survive my power as well.”

Prenga, however, insisted he is not coming to Jeddah to make up the numbers and is determined to spring a huge upset.

“I respect AJ, he’s a great fighter and I’ve watched him from his first fight, but I think now is my time.” said Prenga.

“I’ve trained more than ever, I feel great, I feel ready and I’m going to show the world. I’m not a talker, I’m a puncher. If I catch you [AJ] you’ve never felt a punch like it. I respect him but in the ring I have no respect for anybody.”

Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn is excited to see Joshua back in the ring and highlighted his resilience in returning to the heavyweight division.

Hearn said: “We’re incredibly proud of what he’s done to return to the ring physically, mentally, emotionally, and as AJ said, boxing is his purpose.

“The reason why we have these big heavyweight matchups is because of the energy and purpose that this man injected into the sport over the last 15 years. It’s one of the great comebacks and I think you will see the very best Anthony Joshua in Jeddah on July 25.”

The Ring CEO Rick Reeno is looking forward to Joshua’s return in Jeddah and highlighted the credentials of his Albanian opponent.

Reeno said: “The heavyweight division needs the return of Anthony Joshua. We know Prenga can punch, but we don’t know whether or not he can deal with a world-class operator like AJ.”

Further news on undercard fights and details of how to apply for the Fight Week event and Fight Night accreditation will follow in due course.

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