Anthony Joshua knocks out Kristian Bringa at The Comeback in Jeddah

The Comeback boxing event concluded on Saturday night at Jeddah Superdome, part of Jeddah Season and in collaboration with Riyadh Season, drawing a large crowd. The evening featured 13 bouts with top international boxers and rising talents.

Saudi boxers claimed three victories, but it was Britain's Anthony Joshua who stole the spotlight, defeating Albania's Kristian Bringa by knockout (KO) in the main event during the second round.

Thrilling main event with a shocking start

The main event began with the Saudi royal anthem and the Albanian and British national anthems. In a surprising twist, Bringa knocked Joshua down twice in the first round. However, Joshua regained his composure in the second round, taking control with a series of powerful punches that put Bringa under constant pressure before ending the fight with a knockout before the round concluded.

Praise and thanks for General Entertainment Authority

At the post-fight press conference, Anthony Joshua and Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn thanked Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and President of the Saudi Boxing Federation, for his significant role in advancing boxing globally and hosting this major event. They also praised the efforts of the Saudi Boxing Commission in supporting and developing the sport, noting that Saudi Arabia has become a global destination for major sporting events.

Joshua said after his win: "The past seven months have been among the toughest in my life. I had to be patient and determined to reach this moment. I thank everyone for coming—it means a lot to me. I also thank Kristian Bringa and his team for a strong fight; it was important for both of us."

Asked about a possible bout with fellow Briton Tyson Fury, Joshua joked: "Is Tyson Fury here?" He added: "I respect what he has achieved, but I have been calling for this fight for a long time, and now we are closer than ever."

On the difficulty of the fight, Joshua said: "Bringa is a strong boxer and gave me a real test. Champions fall, get up, and keep going. My victory was not just about punching power, but also fighting spirit, determination, and support from my family and team."

Eddie Hearn noted that the last seven months were among Joshua's hardest, saying that just being in the ring was an achievement. He added: "When he went down in the first round, I thought for a moment we might have come back too soon, but boxing gave him purpose and focus to get through a tough period. After being knocked down twice, it seemed his career was on the line, but he gathered himself and kept fighting."

Joshua concluded with a message to fans: "No one can stop me, and I won't let anyone prevent me from achieving my goal. We're coming—believe that. I thank the fans in Jeddah and across the Kingdom for the warm welcome, and everyone who attended or watched the fight. Today you saw someone fall and face challenges, but rise again. That's life: to keep striving and support each other."

Undercard results and other titles

The evening began with several undercard bouts. Egypt's Mohamed Mabrouk opened the competition with a unanimous decision win over Mexico's Bryan Zapata, followed by fellow Egyptian Omar Heikal defeating Argentina's Brian Castano, also by unanimous decision.

Saudi boxer Sultan Al-Mohammed impressed by stopping Spain's Efren Pesalduch with a technical knockout in the third round, earning Saudi Arabia its first win of the night. Fellow Saudi Mohammed Al-Aql added to the local tally, defeating Malta's Lydon Chircop by technical knockout in the fifth round after knocking his opponent down multiple times before finishing the fight. Ziyad Al-Maiouf continued the Saudi success, outpointing Mexico's Frank Mango by unanimous decision for the third Saudi victory of the evening.

Denmark's Jakob Bank maintained his unbeaten record with a unanimous decision over Poland's Pawel August after eight rounds, sweeping the judges' cards 80-72.

Ukrainian Olympic champion Oleksandr Khyzhniak stopped France's Lien Batrach with a technical knockout in the second round, cheered on by heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk from the stands.

India's Nishant Dev needed less than three minutes to stop Peru's Cesar Diaz by technical knockout in the first round, while Ireland's Mikey Tallon knocked out Orlando Pino in the first round, both securing quick victories.

Japan's Rito Tsutsumi closed out the announced bouts, stopping Mexico's Alfino Herrera by technical knockout just 35 seconds into the second round, continuing his strong start in professional boxing.

Kelly and Sheeraz retain world titles

Britain's Josh Kelly retained his IBF super welterweight title with a non-unanimous decision win over Ireland's Caoimhin Agyarko in a bout that saw Kelly docked a point and suffer a nose injury, but he maintained his edge despite pre-fight tensions during "Boxing Week."

In the co-main event, Britain's Hamzah Sheeraz kept his WBO super middleweight title, defeating Germany's Simon Zachenhuber by majority decision. The fight went the full 12 rounds, with judges scoring it 115-113 and 116-112 for Sheeraz, and one card even at 114-114, as the British champion continued his successful defense of his world title.

Sheeraz started cautiously but gradually increased his tempo, showcasing his technical superiority. Zachenhuber displayed resilience and withstood heavy attacks, especially in the fifth round. Despite Sheeraz's dominance, he could not finish the fight early, as Zachenhuber lasted until the final bell.