Two British world champions, Hamzah Sheeraz and Josh Kelly, are set to defend their titles on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s highly anticipated return to the ring later this month.
The bout, scheduled for 25 July 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will see Joshua face Kristian Prenga in a heavyweight contest that serves as a crucial step toward a potential blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury.
However, it is the strength of the undercard that has drawn significant attention, with two world title fights elevating the event into one of the most stacked boxing nights of the year.
Two World Title Fights Headline the Undercard
Hamzah Sheeraz will make the first defence of his WBO super-middleweight title against Germany’s
The unbeaten British star captured the belt earlier this year and now faces a tricky opponent looking to rebuild momentum despite a recent setback.
Talksport
Alongside him, Josh Kelly is set to defend his IBF super-welterweight title for the first time against unbeaten Irish challenger Caoimhin Agyarko.
Kelly, who claimed the title with a major victory over Bakhram Murtazaliev earlier in 2026, enters the bout with renewed momentum and growing expectations.
A Statement Undercard for Joshua’s Return
The inclusion of two world title fights underlines the scale of Joshua’s comeback event.
Promoters have built a card designed not only to support the main event but to deliver a full night of elite-level boxing.
Bad Left Hook
The event forms part of a broader push to stage major global boxing nights in Saudi Arabia, with the Jeddah Superdome once again hosting some of the sport’s biggest names.
For Joshua, the fight represents more than just a return—it is a carefully planned step toward a long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury, widely regarded as one of the biggest fights in British boxing history.
The Sun
What It Means for Sheeraz and Kelly
For both champions, these defences carry significant weight.
Sheeraz, still early in his world-title reign, has the opportunity to cement his status as one of Britain’s most exciting rising stars. A convincing win would strengthen his position in a competitive super-middleweight division.
Kelly, meanwhile, faces a dangerous unbeaten opponent in Agyarko. Victory would validate his championship credentials and potentially open the door to unification bouts or high-profile defences.
Both fighters are aware that performing on a card headlined by Anthony Joshua brings added visibility—and pressure.
The Bigger Picture
The event highlights a growing trend in modern boxing: stacked undercards designed to deliver value beyond the headline fight.
By placing two world title bouts beneath Joshua’s return, promoters are ensuring global attention not just on the main event but across multiple divisions.
It also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a major destination for elite boxing, continuing its investment in hosting high-profile fight nights.
Enduring Impact
The addition of Hamzah Sheeraz and Josh Kelly’s title defences transforms Anthony Joshua’s comeback into a landmark event.
Beyond Joshua’s own journey back to the top, the night offers a platform for two world champions to define the next phase of their careers.
As boxing continues to evolve, nights like this—stacked with talent and global significance—underline the sport’s enduring appeal and its ability to deliver drama at every level.
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