Former heavyweight trainer Ben Davison, who has spent time in the corners of both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, says that Joshua’s choice to line up a tune‑up fight ahead of his much‑anticipated showdown with Fury is a sensible one. Joshua is slated to step back into the ring on July 25 in Riyadh, where he will meet Kristian Prenga, before the British heavyweight clash with Fury later in the year. Some observers worry that an extra bout could add another obstacle on the road to the all‑British mega‑event, but Davison argues the opposite: a carefully managed warm‑up can safeguard Joshua’s health and sharpen his readiness. "Everyone knows about the car crash and the injuries that followed," Davison told Sky Sports.
"He emerged from that accident with some physical setbacks, so it makes perfect sense to ensure his body is fully recovered before committing to a fight of that magnitude. Tyson has already had his own tune‑up, so the logic is clear." The former trainer emphasized that Joshua is not one to publicise his ailments. "He’s always been very private about any knocks or niggles he picks up," Davison explained.
"Whether he’s won or lost, he never airs those details publicly. He simply absorbs the pain, works on it quietly, and that resilience is something to admire." Davison’s unique perspective stems from having worked intensively with both heavyweights, guiding each through pivotal bouts in their careers. While he refrains from predicting a winner, he notes that at the elite level both men possess the tools to claim victory; the outcome will largely hinge on their strategic approach on the night. "When you reach that tier, both fighters have the capability to win," Davison said.
"It ultimately comes down to how they prepare mentally and tactically, and I can’t say exactly how each will choose to tackle the contest." He also highlighted the contrasting personalities and showmanship of the two athletes. "At their core, both are genuinely good‑natured individuals," Davison observed.
"However, their attitudes toward the spectacle of boxing are polar opposite. Both have revolutionised the sport in the UK, raising its profile dramatically, but they’ve done so in very different ways." The trainer added that the pressures accompanying their fame are immense and can take a toll. "The demands they face, the expectations, the constant scrutiny – it’s a heavy burden.
Most people can’t even fathom the level of pressure they endure day in and day out," he said. "There’s a massive amount of responsibility on their shoulders, with fans, promoters, and the entire nation looking for success." Davison expressed deep gratitude for the chance to work with both champions. "I feel extremely fortunate and blessed to have been part of their journeys," he said.
"Their contributions to boxing are monumental, and I can only commend the dedication and professionalism they bring to the sport." Regarding Joshua’s upcoming fight in Riyadh, Davison believes it serves a dual purpose: it provides a real‑time assessment of Joshua’s physical condition post‑accident and offers a competitive environment to fine‑tune his tactics before the ultimate test against Fury. "A live bout is the best way to gauge whether his body is truly ready," Davison noted. "Training can only simulate so much; stepping into the ring gives you that concrete feedback." He also pointed out that a successful warm‑up could boost Joshua’s confidence, allowing him to enter the Fury clash with momentum on his side.
Conversely, a setback could highlight areas needing adjustment, giving his camp valuable data to refine the game plan. "Either way, it’s a strategic move that gives you information you simply can’t get from the gym alone," Davison explained. In the broader context of heavyweight boxing, the Joshua‑Fury showdown represents a pivotal moment for British boxing, potentially reshaping the sport’s landscape for years to come.
Both fighters have already left indelible marks: Joshua with his Olympic pedigree and multiple world titles, Fury with his charismatic personality and comeback narrative. Their differing styles—Joshua’s textbook power punching versus Fury’s unorthodox movement—promise a clash of philosophies as much as a physical contest.
Davison concluded by underscoring the importance of respecting the process each fighter undertakes. "Both men have worked tirelessly, endured countless pressures, and have shown remarkable resilience.
Whether they approach the sport with flamboyance or quiet determination, the result is the same: they’ve elevated boxing to new heights in the UK and beyond," he said. "We can only watch, appreciate, and hope for a great fight when the day arrives."