Former trainer Ben Davison, who has spent time in the corners of both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, says that the British heavyweight’s choice to line up a tune‑up bout before his much‑anticipated showdown with Fury is sensible. Joshua is slated to step back into the ring on July 25 in Riyadh, where he will meet Kristian Prenga, and the plan is for the winner‑taker‑all title clash with Fury to follow later in the year.
Some observers worry that adding another fight to Joshua’s schedule could create an extra obstacle on the road to the all‑British heavyweight blockbuster. Davison, however, believes the precaution makes perfect sense. "Everyone knows about the car crash and the injuries that came with it," he told Sky Sports. "You have to make sure his body is fully recovered and ready before you throw him into a fight of that magnitude.
Tyson has already had his tune‑up, so it’s logical for Anthony to do the same." Davison also highlighted Joshua’s tendency to keep physical setbacks private. "Anthony has always been the type of athlete who doesn’t broadcast his injuries," the trainer explained.
"Whether he’s won or lost, he rarely talks about any niggles in the public arena. He just takes it on the chin, works through it quietly, and that resilience is something to admire." Having guided both men through high‑profile bouts, Davison is in a unique position to comment on their preparation styles, though he stopped short of picking a winner for the eventual clash. "When you reach that elite level, both fighters have the capacity to win.
It ultimately comes down to how they approach the night, and I can’t predict their strategies," he said. He did note a few striking similarities between the two heavyweights. "At their core, both are good‑natured people, but their approaches to the showmanship side of boxing are completely opposite," Davison observed. "Nevertheless, they have each revolutionised British boxing in their own way, reshaping the sport’s landscape and raising its profile dramatically." The trainer also reflected on the mental and emotional pressures that accompany such fame.
"The toll is massive. The expectations, the scrutiny, the constant pressure from fans, promoters, and the media – most people can’t even fathom the weight of that burden," he said. "There’s high pressure, massive expectations, and countless people counting on them to deliver. It’s a tough environment, and both men deserve huge credit for how they’ve navigated it." Davison expressed gratitude for the chance to work with both champions.
"I feel extremely lucky and blessed to have been part of their journeys," he concluded. "Their contributions to the sport are immeasurable, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together." In summary, Davison’s perspective underscores the prudence of a warm‑up fight for Joshua as he recovers from his recent accident and prepares for the monumental task of facing Fury.
By ensuring his body is fully ready and allowing him to shake off any lingering issues in a lower‑stakes environment, Joshua can approach the Fury showdown with greater confidence and physical certainty. The trainer’s insights also illuminate the broader narrative of how both heavyweight stars have reshaped boxing in the United Kingdom, each bringing a distinct personality and approach to the sport while shouldering immense pressure from a passionate fan base. The upcoming bout with Prenga will serve as a crucial stepping stone, offering Joshua the chance to test his conditioning, refine his tactics, and enter the Fury fight with a clear mind and a healthy body.