Former trainer Ben Davison, who has spent considerable 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 clash later this year. Some observers worry that adding another fight to Joshua’s schedule could create an extra obstacle on the road to the mega‑event that pits the two biggest names in UK boxing against each other. Davison, however, believes the decision is prudent.
"Everyone knows about the car crash and the injuries that resulted," he told Sky Sports. "You have to make sure his body is fully recovered and ready to perform before you throw him into a fight of that magnitude. It’s a logical step, especially when you consider that Tyson has already taken his own tune‑up fight." Davison also highlighted Joshua’s habit of keeping any physical setbacks private. "He’s always been the type of fighter who doesn’t broadcast his injuries," the trainer explained.
"Whether he’s won or lost, he never makes a public show of any issues. He simply endures, works quietly behind the scenes, and that resilience is something to admire." Having worked intensively with both heavyweight champions, Davison occupies a rare position that allows him to compare their approaches without offering a definitive prediction about the outcome of their clash. "When you reach that elite level, both men have the capacity to win," he said. "The result will ultimately depend on how each of them prepares and executes their game plan, and I can’t say exactly how they’ll approach it." He did note several parallels between the two athletes.
"At their core, both are genuinely good‑natured individuals," Davison observed. "What sets them apart is their attitude toward the showmanship side of boxing.
Their styles are almost opposite, yet both have revolutionised the sport in the UK, reshaping the landscape in a way that few could have imagined." The trainer also acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with being at the pinnacle of the sport. "The demands they face – the media scrutiny, the expectations of fans, the financial stakes – take a toll on anyone," he said. "Both fighters have had to navigate a unique set of challenges, and while there are similarities in the pressures they encounter, their coping mechanisms differ." Davison emphasized that the general public often underestimates the mental and emotional strain placed on top‑level boxers. "Most people can’t even fathom the level of pressure they live under day in, day out," he remarked.
"There’s a constant high‑stakes environment, with countless people counting on them to deliver. It’s a heavy burden, and the only thing we can do is commend the professionalism and dedication they bring to the sport." Reflecting on his own career, Davison expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities he’s had.
"I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to have worked with both Anthony and Tyson," he said. "Their contributions to boxing have been monumental, and I’m proud to have been part of their journeys." In summary, Davison’s perspective underscores the wisdom of a strategic warm‑up fight for Joshua, allowing him to assess his physical condition post‑accident and fine‑tune his performance before the high‑profile clash with Fury. While the exact tactics each fighter will employ remain unknown, the shared experience of navigating fame, pressure, and the relentless demands of heavyweight boxing binds them together.
The upcoming bout with Prenga will serve as a crucial stepping stone, ensuring that Joshua steps into the ring with Fury at his absolute best, both physically and mentally.