Anthony Joshua's decision to have a tune-up fight before facing Tyson Fury is the right one, according to Ben Davison, who has trained both boxers. Joshua is set to fight Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Riyadh before his highly anticipated bout with Fury later this year.
While some have expressed concerns that a warm-up fight could be an unnecessary obstacle for Joshua, Davison believes it is a sensible move. "Considering the accident and the injuries he sustained, it's crucial that his body is fully recovered and ready for the fight against Fury," Davison explained to Sky Sports. Davison also noted that Joshua typically keeps his injuries private, saying, "He's always dealt with situations in silence and worked behind the scenes, which is admirable." Having worked closely with both Fury and Joshua, Davison is in a unique position to comment on their upcoming fight.
However, he refuses to make a prediction, stating, "When you reach a certain level, both men are capable of winning, and it ultimately comes down to their approach." Davison does see similarities between the two boxers, saying, "At their core, they're both good guys, but they approach the showmanship aspect of boxing in completely different ways." He also acknowledges the immense pressure and expectations they face, saying, "Most people can't even begin to comprehend the pressure they're under, and you can only commend what they've both achieved in the sport."