Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is targeting a third reign as world champion after returning to training with renewed determination, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.
Joshua is set to face Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on July 25, before a potential blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury later this year.
Hearn said both fights are crucial to Joshua’s ambitions of reclaiming the heavyweight crown.
“His endgame is to win the world heavyweight championship again,” Hearn told BoxingScene.
“He wants to beat Tyson Fury, and he wants to become world champion again. Right now, our focus is on Prenga and Fury. If he wins those two fights, he can walk into any championship fight he wants.”
Joshua’s comeback follows recent setbacks, including a defeat to Daniel Dubois and a serious car accident in Nigeria. Hearn admitted the experiences could affect the former champion mentally heading into his next bout.
Despite that, the promoter praised Joshua’s attitude and performance in training camp.
“Everything we’re seeing now — his desire, sparring, and training — looks great,” Hearn said. “But the real test comes when he steps into the ring and processes everything he has been through.”
Hearn added that many fans expect Joshua to defeat Prenga comfortably, but stressed that the pressure surrounding the fight makes it far from straightforward.
A victory over Prenga would move Joshua closer to the long-awaited Fury clash and potentially open the door for another shot at the heavyweight world title.
