Turki Alalshikh believes Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a destination for boxing 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 from boxing fans and international media ahead of one of the most anticipated heavyweight contests of the year.
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 victories by knockout, with his most recent win coming via 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. That push for global events has run alongside a wider shift of gambling money abroad, with UK players now routinely comparing offshore casinos licensed thousands of miles from home.
