Former trainer Ben Davison, who has spent considerable time in the corners of both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, believes that the British heavyweight’s decision to step into a preparatory bout before taking on Fury is sensible and prudent. Joshua is slated to make his comeback on July 25, facing Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, a fight that will serve as a tune‑up before the much‑anticipated clash with Fury later in the year. Some observers have voiced concerns that adding an extra bout could create an additional obstacle on the road to what could become a historic all‑British heavyweight showdown. Davison, however, argues that the extra ring time is exactly what Joshua needs after the harrowing car accident he endured earlier this year.
"Everyone knows about the crash and the injuries that came with it," he told Sky Sports. "You have to make sure his body is fully healed and ready before you throw him into a fight of that magnitude. It makes perfect sense.
Tyson, for his part, has already had his own tune‑up fight." Davison also highlighted Joshua’s tendency to keep any physical setbacks private. "He’s always been very discreet about injuries," the trainer explained.
"There have been moments in both victories and defeats where he’s dealt with issues in the ring, but he never brings those problems into the public arena. He simply absorbs the hit, works through it quietly, and that resilience is something to admire." Having worked intensively with both heavyweights, Davison is in a unique position to comment on their preparation styles, though he stopped short of making any predictions about the eventual outcome of their meeting.
"When you reach that elite level, both men have the capability to win," he said. "It ultimately comes down to how they approach the fight, and I can’t say exactly how each will choose to do that." He did note, however, that the two share some fundamental similarities.
"At their core, they’re both genuinely good‑natured individuals," Davison observed. "What sets them apart is the way they’ve each embraced the showmanship aspect of boxing. They’ve both revolutionised the sport in the UK, changing the landscape dramatically. That alone says a lot about their impact." Davison also pointed out that the very success and visibility they’ve achieved bring a heavy psychological burden.
"The pressures they face are immense," he said. "The expectations, the scrutiny, the responsibility to fans and sponsors – most people can’t even begin to understand the weight of that pressure. It’s a relentless grind, and it takes its toll on anyone." He praised both athletes for handling that pressure in their own ways.
"There are certainly parallels in the challenges they encounter, but the methods they use to cope differ," Davison added. "What’s remarkable is that despite the stress, they continue to perform at the highest level, pushing the sport forward." Reflecting on his own experience, Davison expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to work with two of the sport’s biggest names.
"I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to have been part of their journeys," he said. "Both have contributed enormously to boxing, and I have nothing but respect for what they’ve achieved." In summary, Davison’s assessment underscores the logic behind Joshua’s decision to take a warm‑up fight before the Fury showdown. It allows him to test his fitness, shake off any lingering effects from his accident, and gain confidence in the ring.
At the same time, it mirrors the approach Tyson Fury has already taken, suggesting that both fighters are being methodical in their preparation. While the ultimate result of their future clash remains uncertain, the mutual respect and shared experience of their trainer hint at a compelling narrative that will continue to captivate boxing fans worldwide.