Former trainer Ben Davison, who has spent considerable time in the corners of both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, says that the British heavyweight’s choice to line up a preparatory fight ahead of a clash with Fury is a sensible one. 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 what could become the biggest all‑British heavyweight showdown in recent memory, Davison argues that the benefits outweigh the risks. "Everyone knows about the car accident and the crash that Anthony went through," Davison told Sky Sports.
"Naturally, he would have emerged with some injuries, even if they weren’t publicly disclosed. The priority now is to make sure his body is fully recovered and ready for the ultimate test, and a tune‑up fight is the logical way to do that.
Tyson has already had his own warm‑up bout, so it makes sense for Anthony to follow suit." Davison also highlighted Joshua’s habit of keeping any physical setbacks private. "Anthony has always been a very private person when it comes to injuries," the trainer explained.
"There have been moments in his career—both in victories and defeats—where he chose not to broadcast his condition to the media. He simply takes the hit, works through it quietly, and that resilience is something to be admired." Having worked intensively with both men, Davison is in a unique position to assess their preparation styles. He stopped short of picking a winner, noting that at their level either fighter could emerge victorious depending on how they approach the night.
"When you reach that elite tier, both athletes have the capacity to win. It really comes down to strategy, mindset, and execution on the night of the fight. I can’t predict exactly how each will choose to fight." Despite their differing personalities, Davison sees a core similarity between Joshua and Fury. "At heart, they’re both genuinely good‑natured people," he said.
"What sets them apart is the way they’ve each embraced the showmanship side of boxing. Their approaches are almost polar opposites, yet both have fundamentally reshaped the sport in the United Kingdom. Their influence has been profound, and that alone says a lot about their legacy." The trainer also reflected on the immense pressure that comes with being at the pinnacle of the heavyweight division. "The demands placed on them are extraordinary.
They have to navigate constant media scrutiny, high expectations from fans, and the weight of an entire nation’s hopes," Davison noted. "Most people can’t even begin to grasp the level of stress they endure daily. The pressure is relentless, and the stakes are sky‑high." Davison expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to work with both champions. "I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to have been part of their journeys," he said.
"Their dedication, work ethic, and willingness to push the boundaries of the sport have been inspirational." Looking ahead, the upcoming warm‑up fight against Kristian Prenga will serve as a crucial barometer for Joshua’s physical condition and mental readiness. Prenga, a solid opponent with a respectable record, will provide Joshua with a chance to test his speed, timing, and endurance after the long layoff caused by the accident. It will also give the British public a glimpse of how the former champion’s game plan has evolved.
In the broader context of the heavyweight division, the potential Joshua‑Fury showdown promises to be a landmark event. Both fighters have already achieved iconic status: Joshua, a former unified world champion with a powerful, textbook‑style jab and knockout power; Fury, the charismatic “Gypsy King” known for his unorthodox movement, size, and ability to out‑think opponents. Their contrasting styles—Joshua’s classic, pressure‑based approach versus Fury’s fluid, evasive tactics—set the stage for a classic clash of boxing philosophies. The timing of the fight also matters.
With the sport’s global audience hungry for high‑profile match‑ups, a British‑versus‑British heavyweight bout could attract record viewership, lucrative pay‑per‑view numbers, and significant sponsorship interest. It would also solidify the United Kingdom’s position as a heavyweight powerhouse, following a period where American and Eastern European fighters dominated the division. From a training perspective, the warm‑up fight will allow Joshua’s camp to fine‑tune specific aspects of his preparation. They can assess his recovery from any lingering injuries, gauge his stamina over multiple rounds, and make necessary adjustments to his defensive tactics.
Moreover, the fight will provide valuable data on how Joshua handles pressure in a live setting after a long hiatus, which is essential before stepping into a bout that will likely be scrutinized by the entire boxing world. In summary, Ben Davison believes that Anthony Joshua’s decision to schedule a tune‑up bout before taking on Tyson Fury is prudent and strategically sound. By ensuring his body is fully prepared, keeping any injuries under wraps, and using the Prenga fight as a real‑world test, Joshua can approach the Fury showdown with confidence.
While the ultimate outcome remains uncertain, both fighters have demonstrated the ability to adapt, overcome adversity, and entertain fans on a massive scale. As Davison aptly put it, the pressure is immense, but the achievements of both men deserve commendation, and he feels honored to have contributed to their storied careers.