Former heavyweight 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, before taking on Fury later in the year.
While some observers worry that an extra bout could add another obstacle on the road to the all‑British heavyweight mega‑event, Davison believes the precaution is justified. "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 now is to make sure his body is fully recovered and ready for the big fight.
That makes perfect sense, especially when you consider that Tyson has already had his own tune‑up fight." Davison also pointed out that Joshua is not a fighter who typically makes his physical setbacks public. "He's always kept those things to himself," the trainer explained. "Whether it’s a win or a loss, he rarely shares the details of any injuries or niggles he’s dealing with. He just takes it on the chin, works through it quietly, and that resilience is something to admire." Having worked intensively with both men, Davison occupies a rare position in the sport.
He declined to predict the outcome of the eventual Joshua‑Fury clash, emphasizing instead that both athletes possess the capability to win. "When you reach that elite level, both fighters have the tools to come out on top. It will ultimately depend on how they each approach the bout, and I can’t say exactly what that will look like for either of them," he said. Nevertheless, Davison observed several parallels between the two British heavyweights.
"At their core, they’re both genuinely good‑natured people," he noted. "But their approaches to the showmanship side of boxing are completely opposite. Still, both have revolutionised the sport in the UK, changing the landscape dramatically. That alone says a lot about their impact." He also acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with their status.
"The demands they face, the expectations, the scrutiny – it’s a heavy burden. Most people can’t even fathom the level of pressure they’re under," Davison added. "There’s a high‑stakes environment, with countless fans and stakeholders relying on them to deliver. It’s a tough gig, and you can only commend what they’ve achieved in the sport." Davison expressed gratitude for having been part of both fighters' journeys.
"I feel extremely lucky, blessed, and grateful to have worked with both of these men," he said. "Their dedication, work ethic, and willingness to push the boundaries of the sport have left a lasting imprint on boxing, especially in Britain." The upcoming warm‑up fight against Prenga offers Joshua a chance to test his physical condition after the accident, fine‑tune his timing, and gauge his readiness for the eventual clash with Fury. It also provides a low‑risk environment to address any lingering issues before the high‑profile encounter that will dominate headlines worldwide. In the broader context of the 2026 boxing calendar, the Joshua‑Fury showdown is poised to be one of the marquee events, drawing massive viewership and significant commercial interest.
Both fighters have built sizable followings, and their contrasting styles—Joshua’s methodical, power‑based approach versus Fury’s unorthodox, mobile tactics—promise an intriguing tactical battle. Davison’s endorsement of the tune‑up underscores a growing trend among elite fighters to schedule preparatory bouts rather than jumping straight into a title fight after a layoff or injury.
This strategy aims to reduce the risk of re‑injury, sharpen reflexes, and provide real‑time feedback for coaches to make final adjustments. While the exact details of the Prenga bout remain limited, the fight will likely be broadcast through major streaming platforms, offering fans worldwide an early glimpse of Joshua’s form. For Joshua, the objective is clear: emerge victorious, demonstrate that he is physically sound, and build momentum heading into the Fury fight. In summary, Ben Davison believes that Joshua’s decision to take a warm‑up fight is prudent and aligns with best practices for high‑level athletes recovering from injury.
Both Joshua and Fury have transformed British boxing, and their eventual meeting will be a defining moment for the sport. Until then, the tune‑up bout serves as a crucial stepping stone, ensuring that Joshua steps into the ring with Fury at his absolute best.