Joshua ready for boxing return

British boxer Anthony Joshua 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. A highly anticipated showdown against fellow heavyweight Tyson Fury remains firmly in his sights.

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I feel solid. This is where I want to be. I’m very grateful for this opportunity. It’s nice doing what I love. 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.

Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion, told Sky Sports that boxing has 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."

The 35-year-old boxer has not fought since December 2025. He cautioned against reading too much into the signing of a deal for the Fury bout, insisting that 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 stated.

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I’m not pleased because the pleasure really comes after victory. Signing a contract doesn’t mean anything. Winning is the only true success.

Reflecting on his mindset for 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." Meanwhile, Tyson Fury is reportedly targeting a warm-up fight on August 1 in Dublin ahead of their expected November clash.

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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.