Full Breakdown
Joshua-Prenga Main Event Bolstered by Two World-Title Undercard Bouts in Jeddah
7/13/2026, 8:49:51 PM
Core Event
On July 25, the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia will host a 13-fight card headlined by Anthony Joshua versus Kristian Prenga. The undercard features two world-title contests: WBO super-middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz defending against No. 7-ranked contender Simon Zachenhuber, and IBF junior-middleweight champion Josh Kelly defending his belt against unbeaten Irish challenger Caoimhin Agyarko. The entire event will stream live on DAZN, and the undercard was announced on social media by Saudi sports minister Turki Alalshikh on Monday.
Background & Context
The Joshua-Prenga showdown is billed as “The Comeback,” marking Joshua’s return six months after a fatal car crash that killed two close friends and teammates. The undercard adds depth to the event, pairing rising British champion Hamzah Sheeraz—who captured the vacant WBO title with a second-round stoppage of Alem Begic in May 2023—with a seasoned German challenger. Josh Kelly earned his IBF title by upsetting Bakhram Murtazaliev in January 2024 and is positioned for a potential unification bout with unified champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis.
Key Figures & Groups
| Fighter | Record (wins-losses-draws) | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Hamzah Sheeraz (UK) | 23-0-1 (19 KOs) | Won vacant WBO super-middleweight title May 2023; The Ring No. 9-ranked at 168 lb |
| Simon Zachenhuber (Germany) | 29-1 (18 KOs) | Ranked No. 7 by the WBO; recent fifth-round stoppage of Armin Ajrulai |
| Josh Kelly (UK) | 18-1-1 (9 KOs) | IBF junior-middleweight champion; upset Murtazaliev Jan 2024; The Ring No. 6-ranked at 154 lb |
| Caoimhin Agyarko (Ireland) | 18-0 (7 KOs) | IBF No. 4 junior-middleweight; last win over Ishmael Davis (split decision) |
Data & Statistics
- Sheeraz’s title win came via a dominant second-round stoppage of Alem Begic on May 23, 2023, in Egypt.
- Zachenhuber’s most recent victory was a fifth-round stoppage of Armin Ajrulai.
- Kelly’s IBF title was secured with a majority-decision win over Bakhram Murtazaliev on January 31, 2024.
- Agyarko entered the fight unbeaten at 18-0, having survived a knockdown against Ishmael Davis in September 2025 (reported as September 2024 in other sources).
Official Statements & Responses
Saudi sports minister Turki Alalshikh announced the undercard lineup on his official social-media channels, confirming the venue, date, and DAZN streaming partnership. Matchroom Boxing promoted the card as a “loaded fight card” and highlighted the potential for future unification bouts, noting Kelly could face Jaron Ennis with a win.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting commentary or criticism regarding the undercard matchups appears in the available reports.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the date of Agyarko’s most recent bout: one report cites September 13 (year unspecified) while another lists September 2025. The exact timing of his last fight therefore remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “WBO super middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz will defend his title for the first time against Simon Zachenhuber, while IBF 154-pound titleholder Josh Kelly makes his first title defense when he faces Caoimhin Agyarko.” — Ring Magazine
- “Joshua, 36, and Prenga, 35, have been scheduled to headline a blockbuster event at the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia for months The event, billed as 'The Comeback,' has been promoted as Joshua's return to boxing six months after a devastating car crash that claimed the lives of his two close friends and teammates.” — Sports Illustrated
- “Hamzah Sheeraz (23-0-1, 19 KO), last seen mauling Alem Begic in May for the vacant WBO super middleweight belt left behind by Terence Crawford, will make his inaugural defense against no.” — Bad Left Hook
- “In the co-main event, Britain's Hamzah Sheeraz will defend his WBO super middleweight title for the first time against Simon Zachenhuber.” — Mirror
What’s Next
Following a successful defense, Kelly is expected to pursue a unification bout with Jaron Ennis. Joshua’s victory over Prenga is positioned as a stepping stone toward a highly anticipated clash with Tyson Fury later in the year.
