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 warm‑up bout ahead of his much‑anticipated 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, a fight that will serve as a preparatory test before the headline‑grabbing showdown with Fury later in the year. There has been some debate among fans and pundits about whether an extra fight could add an unnecessary obstacle to Joshua’s path toward the all‑British heavyweight mega‑event. Some worry that a misstep or a new injury could jeopardise his chances against Fury.
Davison, however, believes the opposite. "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 in peak condition before you put him in a fight of that magnitude.
It makes perfect sense – Tyson just had his own tune‑up, after all." Davison also pointed out that Joshua is not a boxer who typically airs his physical setbacks publicly. "He’s always been very private about any aches or knocks he picks up," the trainer explained. "Whether he wins or loses, he never makes a big deal of it on the media.
He just takes it on the chin, works through it quietly, and that resilience is something to admire." Having worked closely with both men, Davison occupies a rare position that gives him insight into their preparation styles, mental makeup, and the pressures they face. He stopped short of making a prediction about who would emerge victorious in the eventual Joshua‑Fury showdown, noting that the outcome will largely depend on how each fighter approaches the bout.
"When you reach that elite level, both athletes have the capability to win. It really comes down to strategy, mindset, and execution on the night," he said.
What Davison does highlight are the striking similarities and stark differences between the two champions. "At their core, both are genuinely good‑natured people," he observed. "But their approaches to the showmanship side of boxing could not be more different. Yet, both have fundamentally transformed the sport, especially in the United Kingdom, and that alone says a lot about their impact." He also acknowledged the immense pressure that accompanies their fame.
"The demands, the expectations, the scrutiny – most people can’t even begin to understand the weight that sits on their shoulders," Davison added. "There’s a massive amount of pressure, high expectations, and a whole nation counting on them. It’s a heavy burden, and both have handled it in their own ways." Davison expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with both fighters, calling the experience a privilege.
"I feel extremely lucky and blessed to have been part of their journeys. Their dedication, work ethic, and willingness to push the boundaries of the sport have been inspirational." In summary, Davison’s perspective underscores that a carefully chosen tune‑up fight can serve as a valuable stepping stone for Joshua, allowing him to assess his physical readiness after the car accident and fine‑tune his tactics before the colossal challenge of facing Fury. While the boxing world continues to speculate about the eventual outcome of the Joshua‑Fury clash, the former trainer’s insights remind fans that both athletes possess the skill, heart, and determination to deliver a historic encounter, regardless of the path each takes to get there.