Joshua ready for boxing return

Britain's Anthony Joshua attends a press conference in London on June 1, 2026, ahead of the boxing match against Albania's Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia in July. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP)

Anthony Joshua has declared he is mentally and physically stronger than ever as he prepares for his comeback bout against Albanian Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 25, with a highly anticipated showdown against Tyson Fury firmly in his sights. Speaking to Sky Sports, the two-time heavyweight champion said boxing had given him renewed purpose following the tragic deaths of two friends in a car accident in Nigeria late last year. “I feel solid. This is where I want to be. I’m very grateful for this opportunity. It’s nice doing what I love,” Joshua said. “I’m building myself up to be stronger than I’ve ever been — not only physically, because that’s natural, but mentally. I’ve realised I’m a lot stronger than I ever thought I was.” Related News FG inaugurates Democracy Day committee, hails MKO Abiola’s sacrifices End terrorism within 90 days or quit, Adeboye tells service chiefs Teachers, students protest in Taraba, demand release of abducted Oyo pupils The 35-year-old has not fought since December 2025 and cautioned against reading too much into the signing of a deal for the Fury bout, insisting only victory would bring him satisfaction. “I’m not pleased because the pleasure really comes after victory. Signing a contract doesn’t mean anything. Winning is the only true success,” he said. On his mindset heading into what promises to be a defining year, Joshua added: “I’ve got a clear goal, I know what this year is about, I know how tough this year is going to be. I’ve been training hard — that’s my life.” Fury, meanwhile, is targeting a warm-up fight on August 1 in Dublin ahead of their expected November clash. Peter Akinbo Peter, who has been covering sports for PUNCH for close to two years, focuses on combat sports reporting, special features and human angle stories

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