Former trainer Ben Davison, who has spent time in the corners of both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, says that Joshua is making a sensible choice by arranging a tune‑up fight ahead of his much‑anticipated showdown with Fury. Joshua is slated to step back into the ring on July 25 in Riyadh, where he will face Kristian Prenga, a bout that will serve as a preparatory test before the British heavyweight showdown later this year. Some observers worry that adding another fight could create an extra obstacle on the road to the all‑British mega‑event, but Davison argues that the benefits outweigh the risks.
"Everyone knows about the car accident and the crash," Davison told Sky Sports. "Naturally, he would have emerged from that incident with some injuries.
The priority is to make sure his body is fully recovered and ready for the big fight, and that makes perfect sense. Tyson, for his part, just had his own tune‑up fight, so the timing aligns." Davison also pointed out that Joshua is not one to publicise his physical setbacks.
"He’s always kept that to himself. Whether he’s won or lost, he never brings his injuries into the public arena," the trainer explained. "He just takes it on the chin, works through it quietly, and that resilience is something to admire." Having coached both men at different points in their careers, Davison occupies a rare position that gives him insight into their preparation styles, though he stopped short of picking a winner. "When you reach a certain level, both athletes have the capacity to win.
It ultimately comes down to how they approach the night, and I can’t say how each will choose to fight," he said. He did, however, highlight a number of parallels. "At their core, they’re both genuinely good people.
The way they present themselves to the public, though, is completely opposite. Still, both have transformed British boxing and changed the landscape of the sport. That says a lot about their impact," Davison noted. The trainer also reflected on the mental and emotional toll that comes with such high‑profile careers.
"The pressures they face – the expectations, the scrutiny, the responsibility to fans and sponsors – are immense. Most people can’t even begin to understand the weight of that burden," he added.
"There’s high pressure, high expectation, and a massive number of people counting on them. It’s incredibly tough, and we can only commend what they’ve achieved in the sport." Davison expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with both champions. "I feel extremely lucky, grateful, and blessed to have been part of their journeys. Their dedication and work ethic have set a benchmark for the sport," he said.
The upcoming fight against Prenga is expected to serve several purposes. First, it will allow Joshua’s medical team to assess his recovery from the accident in a real‑time, competitive environment. Second, it will give the British heavyweight a chance to sharpen his timing, footwork, and power after a period of inactivity. Finally, it will provide a psychological boost, reinforcing confidence ahead of the ultimate test against Fury.
In contrast, Fury’s recent tune‑up fight has already demonstrated his readiness, but the contrast in their preparation paths could make for an intriguing tactical battle. Davison believes that the differing approaches to showmanship and self‑promotion reflect deeper personality traits that could influence how each fighter handles the night’s pressure. "Fury tends to be more flamboyant, embracing the spotlight, while Joshua is more understated, letting his performances speak for themselves," Davison explained.
"Those differing mindsets can affect everything from training intensity to in‑ring decision‑making." As the boxing calendar continues to fill out, fans are eagerly awaiting the final date for the Joshua‑Fury clash. While the exact timing remains unconfirmed, both camps appear committed to ensuring their fighters are in optimal condition.
Davison’s endorsement of a warm‑up bout underscores a broader trend in heavyweight boxing: the recognition that even elite athletes benefit from a carefully managed build‑up to a marquee event. In summary, Ben Davison’s perspective offers a balanced view of the strategic value of a preparatory fight for Anthony Joshua.
By addressing lingering injuries, rebuilding confidence, and fine‑tuning technique, the July 25 bout in Riyadh could be a pivotal step toward a successful showdown with Tyson Fury. At the same time, the trainer’s reflections on the mental pressures and contrasting personalities of the two British giants provide a richer context for what promises to be one of the most compelling heavyweight narratives of the decade.