The former two-time heavyweight champion will return to the ring next month, but the Brit still believes he's got a few more years left in him21:08, 01 Jun 2026Updated 21:10, 01 Jun 2026Anthony Joshua believes he's still got another four years left in him before he finally calls time on his career.‌The former two-time heavyweight world champion will make his highly-anticipated return to the boxing ring next month against unknown contender Kristian Prenga over in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.‌Joshua, 36, has not fought since scoring a sixth-round knockout victory YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul back in December. The British brawler had planned to return to the ring back in February, but was involved in a tragic car crash over in Nigeria just days after his win over the boxing novice.‌'AJ' came away with a few injuries, but the crash resulted in the deaths of close friends Latif Ayodele, and Sina Ghami. Many within the boxing fraternity assumed the heavyweight legend would never fight again, but it was not long before he was back in the gym and getting the itch to compete again.FOLLOW OUR FIGHTING FB PAGE! Latest boxing and MMA news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook pageJoshua has been training over in Spain with ex-rival-turned-close-friend Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian has formed a close partnership with 'AJ,' and the two-division undisputed champion has been passing on some crucial tips to the Brit.‌While the mental scars will still take its toll on Joshua, that has not stopped him from having the desire to compete. Ahead of the 36-year-old's comeback, Joshua revealed he plans on fighting until he is 40 - much to the delight of promoter Eddie Hearn. "For me, maybe 'til like 40," he told reporters on Monday evening."It's only like three or four years... I'm coming up to 37 in October, so it's only three years, it'll go quick. Obviously it's gonna be tough, but I definitely think I'm tough enough to do it. Why not, why not? I'm definitely more mature."The passion for boxing remains, as does his willingness to fight. 'AJ' claimed he was even ready to jump into a gruelling camp several months ago. "Really about two months ago. I was training but there’s levels to training. Two months ago I started really ramping things up, so it’s been good. Pre camp has been solid, obviously getting fitter, stronger so I can push myself more. I’m in a good place for today," he said.‌Mentally, Joshua was as ready as ever, but he just needed that extra time to get in peak physical condition. "Physically. Mentally, very strong. Mentally very strong. Physically just got to get yourself back to basically sparring," he continued."No because it’s my purpose. Boxing is not only good for the competitive side of things it’s quite therapeutic. It gives us purpose. That’s what it does for me and I think this is a place where … I know it is the place where I am most comfortable. It gives me a purpose in my life."‌The British boxing icon has learned a lot from his surprising partnership with Usyk - but one thing stands out the most. "The importance of prayer," he said. "Even if you’re not a true believer in any specific religion. Prayer is important because you can take that into any training camp."He could tell me ‘I believe being a southpaw is better than being an orthodox fighter. If I could train a fighter I’d fucking tell them to switch around but what I’m trying to say is being with Usyk is no benefit in trying to be southpaw. I’m not any type of religion. I just pray. I think it’s really important.Article continues belowWhile Joshua is solely focused on the task at hand next month over in the Middle East, he may still have one eye on eventually becoming a three-time world champion. But his good friend Usyk thinks he can go one step further and even become undisputed."You know I had to take time to think about that. First I was like f****** hell," he said when reacting to Usyk's comments. "But I get it. why not? I can. He sees it. I know I can do it. I can. So, let’s just fucking go for it. That’s the goal. How do we get there? Don’t just say it, lay me out a road map. See with me, give me work, tell me what to do, I do it. So that’s the road map, undisputed champion, we're on the journey July 25 is getting back on the gravy train."