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Joshua takes on Albania’s Kristian Prenga before he fights Fury in late 2026Credit: AFP<\/p>\n
Fury<\/a> returned to action in April for the first time since his second consecutive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk<\/a> in 2024, calling out Joshua after defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov<\/a> in London.<\/p>\n That was expected to be Fury’s only appearance before facing Joshua, but ‘The Gypsy King’ revealed last month he will contest another tune-up fight<\/a> before the all-British blockbuster.<\/p>\n Joshua, meanwhile, is booked to fight Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga<\/a> on July 25 for his first fight since beating Jake Paul<\/a> in their mega money Netflix clash.<\/p>\n ‘AJ’ was in London on Monday for his first face-off with Prenga<\/a> and caught up with talKSPORT’s Spencer Oliver before taking centre stage.<\/p>\n READ MORE BOXING NEWSAJ: Fury should stop worrying about me<\/p>\n The 36-year-old<\/a> asked who Fury was fighting next before throwing a dig in the direction of his future opponent, if he beats Prenga.<\/p>\n “[Fury] was saying to me when I was looking for an opponent for this day, he was like, ‘Fight [Fabio] Wardley, fight Itauma, these fights are easy to make if you’re looking for a comeback fight,'” Joshua explained.<\/p>\n Undefeated Briton Itauma<\/a> is arguably the hottest prospect in heavyweight boxing right now, having knocked out Jermaine Franklin<\/a> last time out to go 14-0.<\/p>\n Wardley, on the other hand, dropped his IBF heavyweight strap to Daniel Dubois<\/a> in early May and the pair are expected to rematch as soon as possible<\/a>.<\/p>\n Joshua continued: “So I think that [Itauma] would be a perfect name because they’re all under the same promotion.<\/p>\n “So if Fury is what he says he is, maybe he should step forward and Frank [Warren] should put his fighter forward instead of worrying about what I’m up to.”<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n ‘AJ’ has suggested Fury faces Itauma for his tune-up fightCredit: Queensberry<\/p>\n Watch Boxing on DAZN<\/p>\n *If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue<\/p>\n Sign up to DAZN<\/a> to access the definitive subscription for boxing fans.<\/p>\n Upgrade to DAZN Ultimate<\/a> from just \u00a324.99\/month, guaranteeing access to 185+ fights annually, a minimum of 12 pay-per-views at no extra cost, as well as every Lega Serie A match and other elite football access.<\/p>\n Alternatively, DAZN Standard<\/a> is just \u00a315.99\/month, with the caveat you will have to pay for pay-per-view events.<\/p>\n Click here to sign up<\/a>.<\/p>\n Joshua: ‘I’m ready for Fury, it’s all done’<\/p>\n Although Prenga is next, the boxing world is already looking forward to the looming British blockbuster with Fury.<\/p>\n It seems likely that both fighters will need to come through a warm-up bout, with Fury also set to take a tune-up.<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n Joshua told Fury to stay in his own lane and worry about himselfCredit: Getty<\/p>\n But the bout is all signed and is set to be the sport’s biggest event of the year on British shores, and will command huge audiences globally.<\/p>\n He can’t slip up, but he is already excited for the possibility of settling the age old rivalry.<\/p>\n The 36-year-old said: “Bring on Prenga, but bring on Fury as well.<\/p>\n “I’ve happily signed the contract, I saw it was a two-fight deal when it was presented with the Fury fight.<\/p>\n “They told me when I beat Prenga, it would be Tyson Fury. But it’s no problem to me, and there’s no pressure.<\/p>\n “I know what is required of me and I stepped up to the plate.”<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n Joshua said he’s preparing for 15 rounds ahead of his fight against Prenga with the Fury clash loomingCredit: GettyJoshua ready for war<\/p>\n Speaking on his comeback, Joshua explained: “Well, the thing is, if we’re going to take away personal and just look at it from a sporting perspective, this is a continuation.<\/p>\n “But life has just managed to throw itself in the mix of my professional career and it is a comeback.<\/p>\n “We’re back. I’m clear to fight. I’ve been sparring. I’m fit. I’m going to get fitter.<\/p>\n “I’m already mentally strong. I’m already physically strong. I just want to get very, very well conditioned.<\/p>\n “Even though I know what I want to do in the ring, I’ve got to prepare myself for 15 rounds, not 12 rounds, 15 rounds, because it’s not just about Prenga, it’s about what’s coming after.”<\/p>\n On his motivations, Joshua added: “Boxing, of course, it’s the pressure, it’s the wanting to win. <\/p>\n “But at the core of it, it’s really good for one’s mental health, and I choose boxing as my form of therapy, my form of fitness. <\/p>\n Boxing schedule<\/p>\n For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out\u00a0talkSPORT.com’s\u00a0 boxing schedule<\/a>.<\/p>\n “Boxing is a really good way for me to keep sane, to keep my feet on the ground. It’s good for me in many more ways than being just a champion.”<\/p>\n Read More on talkSPORT<\/p>\n Joshua has been training with former opponent Usyk in Valencia, Spain, in preparation for Prenga.<\/p>\n![\"Moses](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/FNC14222.jpg\")
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