BOXING: Joshua v Prenga fight moved from Riyadh to Jeddah

LONDON — Former world champion Anthony Joshua's heavyweight fight against Albanian Kristian Prenga on July 25 has been moved from Riyadh to Jeddah, organizers announced Monday.

While no official reason was given for the venue change, several other events have recently been relocated away from the Gulf due to ongoing regional conflicts.

The non-title bout marks the Briton's first return to the ring since a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December, which claimed the lives of two of his close friends. The fight is being billed as a crucial "warm-up" ahead of a highly anticipated clash with compatriot Tyson Fury in November.

"I'm building myself up to be stronger than I've ever been because I know I am — not only physically, because that's natural, but mentally. I've realized I'm a lot stronger than I ever thought I was," Joshua told Sky Sports.

"I got into boxing to reshape my mind and identity, to make me a better person. It's doing the same for me now. It's reshaping my life and giving me purpose."

Face-to-Face in London

Joshua and Prenga squared off for the first time at a promotional press conference in London on Monday, where the Albanian heavyweight declared he was ready to shock the world.

"Being underestimated is actually a positive thing for me,” said Prenga, a former kickboxer who has racked up a record of 20 wins and just one defeat since turning professional in 2016.

Joshua, holding a record of 28 wins and four losses, dismissed his opponent's confidence.

"These guys just dig a grave," Joshua said. "I know exactly what I need to do. I know I’m going to deliver. It’s what I do. All the talk is cheap… this is my division."

-Reporting by Alan Baldwin; editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters