Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring on 25 July 2026 for a comeback fight against Kristian Prenga, a bout widely viewed as a warm-up for a long-rumored showdown with Tyson Fury. The announcement by Matchroom Boxing has ended months of uncertainty surrounding the former heavyweight champion, much of which stemmed from a tragic car accident in Nigeria that killed two close friends of the fighter. With a new fight date confirmed and the Fury negotiations described as effectively signed, Joshua’s path forward is beginning to take shape, though key details about venues and exact timelines remain unresolved.
When is Anthony Joshua’s next fight?
Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua
15 October 1989, Watford, England
29 wins (26 KOs), 4 losses, 0 draws
Kristian Prenga on 25 July 2026 in Riyadh / Jeddah
- Joshua returns on 25 July 2026 against Kristian Prenga as a warm-up bout.
- The fight is officially announced by Matchroom Boxing and reported by ESPN, CBS Sports, Sky Sports, DAZN, and The Independent.
- Promoters Turki Alalshikh and Eddie Hearn have stated a mega-fight with Tyson Fury is signed for late 2026.
- Possible venues for the Fury fight include London, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Las Vegas.
- Joshua was involved in a car crash in Nigeria in December 2025 that killed two close friends, contributing to uncertainty around his return.
- His professional record according to Matchroom stands at 29 wins, 26 by knockout, 4 losses, and no draws.
- No fresh, reliable 2026 net worth figure is available, but Joshua is widely regarded as one of the wealthiest active boxers.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) |
| Reach | 82 in (208 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Titles Held | WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO Heavyweight Champion (twice) |
| Olympic Medal | Gold (Super Heavyweight, 2012) |
| Net Worth Estimate | No precise 2026 figure; described by Hearn as having “all the money in the world” |
| Last Fight | Loss to Francis Ngannou (KO, Mar 2024) |
| Pro Record (Matchroom) | W 29, KO 26, L 4, D 0 |
What is Anthony Joshua’s net worth?
Determining a precise net worth for Anthony Joshua in 2026 is not straightforward based on the available reporting. While earlier public estimates from sources like Forbes placed his net worth around $80 million, those figures predate recent events and do not reflect current reality. The most recent comment from a named source comes from promoter Eddie Hearn, who told Sky Sports that Joshua has “all the money in the world.” This is a qualitative remark rather than a financial estimate.
What is clear is that Joshua remains one of boxing’s wealthiest active fighters. His earnings have historically come from substantial fight purses and major endorsement deals. However, without a verified 2026 figure from a reliable financial publication, any specific number would be speculative.
No reliable 2026 net worth figure is available in the supplied reports. Earlier estimates of $80 million are outdated, and Hearn’s comment about Joshua having “all the money in the world” is a qualitative description, not a confirmed number.
What is Anthony Joshua’s boxing record?
Anthony Joshua’s professional boxing record, as listed on the official Matchroom Boxing event page for the Prenga fight, stands at 29 wins, 26 of which came by knockout, 4 losses, and no draws. This represents an update from earlier 2024 figures and reflects his most recent loss to Francis Ngannou.
A career of highs and lows
Joshua’s record tells the story of a fighter who reached the pinnacle of the heavyweight division twice. He first unified the titles by defeating Charles Martin, Wladimir Klitschko, and Joseph Parker before losing to Andy Ruiz Jr. in a major upset. He regained the belts in a rematch later that year. Subsequent losses to Oleksandr Usyk and Francis Ngannou have reshaped his career trajectory.
For a deeper look at another combat sports figure with a storied career, you can read the Chris Eubank – Biography, Boxing Record & Family Legacy.
What happened in Anthony Joshua’s last fight and is there any truth to the accident rumor?
Last fight: The Ngannou knockout
Anthony Joshua’s last fight was a loss to Francis Ngannou in March 2024, where he was knocked out in the fifth round. According to BoxRec, Joshua was down four times during the bout. The defeat came after a period of rebuild following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
The December 2025 car accident
Reports from ESPN, CBS Sports, and Sky Sports confirm that Joshua was involved in a serious car crash in Nigeria in December 2025. The accident killed two close friends or members of his team. Multiple outlets indicate this tragedy was a major reason for the uncertainty surrounding his return to boxing, as he took time away from the sport to grieve.
The car crash in Nigeria in December 2025 is a confirmed event, not a rumor. It killed two people close to Joshua and is cited by major sports outlets as the primary reason his fight return was delayed until July 2026.
Rumors about opponents and venues
The main rumors surrounding Joshua in 2026 are not about injuries or scandals, but about his next major opponent. The long-rumored Joshua vs. Fury mega-fight is reported by multiple sources as signed or effectively agreed. However, the exact date and venue are not uniformly settled. Reports have mentioned London, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Las Vegas as potential locations, reflecting ongoing negotiations.
While the Fury fight is widely reported as signed for late 2026, the venue has not been officially confirmed. Different outlets have named London, Saudi Arabia, the USA, and Las Vegas as possibilities, indicating that this aspect remains fluid.
Timeline of Anthony Joshua’s career
- : Won Olympic gold in super-heavyweight division at London 2012.
- : Turned professional.
- : Defeated Charles Martin to win IBF heavyweight title.
- : Unified titles by beating Wladimir Klitschko (WBA, IBF, WBO).
- : Lost to Andy Ruiz Jr. (7th round TKO) – first defeat.
- : Regained titles by unanimous decision against Ruiz in rematch.
- : Lost to Oleksandr Usyk (unanimous decision).
- : Lost rematch to Usyk via split decision.
- : Knocked out by Francis Ngannou in the 5th round.
- : Involved in a car crash in Nigeria that killed two close friends.
- : Confirmed return fight against Kristian Prenga.
What is confirmed and what remains unclear?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Joshua is a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, born on 15 October 1989 in Watford. | The exact date and venue for the Tyson Fury fight have not been uniformly settled. |
| His current record stands at 29 wins (26 KOs) and 4 losses, per Matchroom. | A specific, reliable 2026 net worth figure is not available from the supplied reports. |
| His next fight is against Kristian Prenga on 25 July 2026, announced by Matchroom. | Whether the venue for the Fury fight will be London, Saudi Arabia, the USA, or Las Vegas is still unconfirmed. |
| He was involved in a car crash in Nigeria in December 2025 that killed two close friends. | The specific details of Joshua’s earnings from the Prenga fight have not been released. |
| Promoters have said the Fury fight is signed for late 2026. | The identity of any further opponents beyond Prenga and Fury is not known. |
What does Anthony Joshua’s career context look like now?
Anthony Joshua’s career has been defined by dramatic highs and lows. He rose to the top with an Olympic gold medal and unified titles, suffered stunning defeats, and then staged a comeback. The knockout loss to Francis Ngannou, a fighter with no professional boxing experience, raised fresh questions about his ability to compete at the top level. However, Joshua remains a major commercial draw, and the heavyweight division is currently dominated by Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
The planned fight against Kristian Prenga is widely seen as a rebuilding or warm-up bout designed to shake off ring rust before a potential showdown with Fury. The tragic car accident in Nigeria has added a personal dimension to his return, making his July 2026 comeback fight a significant moment both professionally and personally.
For another perspective on an emerging combat sports star, check out the Paddy Pimblett – Record, Next Fight, Net Worth and Bio.
What do the sources and quotes say?
Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni ‘AJ’ Joshua (born 15 October 1989) is a British professional boxer. He held the unified heavyweight championship twice between 2017 and 2021.
Joshua down four times; once in the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds. He was counted out. Mar 2024. Francis Ngannou.
BoxRec – Anthony Joshua
Anthony Joshua’s net worth is estimated at $80 million, largely from fight purses and endorsements.
Forbes (estimation, pre-2026)
Summary: What’s next for Anthony Joshua?
Anthony Joshua is scheduled to face Kristian Prenga on 25 July 2026 in what is expected to be a comeback fight in Riyadh or Jeddah. Following this, a long-awaited mega-fight with Tyson Fury is reported to be signed for late 2026, though the venue remains unconfirmed. The tragic car crash in Nigeria in December 2025, which killed two close friends, explains the extended period of uncertainty before his return. For the most up-to-date information, following official channels and major sports outlets is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Anthony Joshua’s next fight date?
His next fight is on 25 July 2026 against Kristian Prenga, as announced by Matchroom Boxing.
Is Anthony Joshua fighting Tyson Fury?
Promoters have said the fight is signed for late 2026, but the exact date and venue remain unconfirmed.
What is Anthony Joshua’s boxing record?
His professional record is 29 wins (26 KOs), 4 losses, and 0 draws, per Matchroom Boxing.
What happened in Anthony Joshua’s last fight?
He lost to Francis Ngannou by knockout in the fifth round in March 2024, being knocked down four times.
Was Anthony Joshua in a car accident?
Yes. He was involved in a car crash in Nigeria in December 2025 that killed two close friends.
What is Anthony Joshua’s net worth in 2026?
A precise 2026 figure is not available. He remains a top earner, with Hearn saying he has “all the money in the world.”
Where will the Joshua vs Fury fight take place?
Possible venues include London, Saudi Arabia, the USA, and Las Vegas, but no venue is officially confirmed.
Why did Anthony Joshua take a long break?
The primary reason was the tragic car crash in Nigeria in December 2025, which killed two people close to him.
Who is Kristian Prenga?
Kristian Prenga is the opponent for Joshua’s comeback fight on 25 July 2026. Bout details are limited.
Henry Carter is Senior Reporter at MarketUK.uk, covering breaking business and market stories across the UK.