Former trainer Ben Davison, who has spent 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 clash 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 final test before the British heavyweight showdown later in the year. Some observers have voiced concern that adding another fight to Joshua’s schedule could create an extra obstacle on the road to the all‑British mega‑event. Davison, however, believes the opposite is true.
"Everyone knows about the car accident and the crash," he told Sky Sports. "Naturally, he emerged from that incident with some injuries. The priority now is to make sure his body is fully recovered and ready for the big fight, which makes perfect sense. Tyson, for his part, has already had his tune‑up fight." Davison also highlighted Joshua’s habit of keeping 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 behind the scenes, but he never brings them into the public arena. He simply endures, works silently, and that resilience is something to admire." Having worked intensively with both heavyweight stars, Davison occupies a unique position that allows him to compare their approaches without offering a definitive prediction on who will emerge victorious.
"When you reach a certain level, both men have the capacity to win," he said. "It ultimately comes down to how each of them prepares and executes their game plan, and I can’t say exactly how they will approach the fight." He did note some striking similarities in their characters. "At their core, both are genuinely good‑natured people," Davison observed. "Yet their attitudes toward the showmanship aspect of boxing are completely opposite.
Both have revolutionised the sport in the UK, reshaping the landscape and raising its profile dramatically. That achievement alone says a lot about their influence." Davison also touched on the immense pressure that comes with being at the pinnacle of boxing. "The toll it takes is considerable. They have to navigate a relentless schedule, manage expectations, and cope with the scrutiny that follows every decision," he said.
"Most people can’t even begin to grasp the level of pressure they’re under – high stakes, massive expectations, and countless fans and stakeholders relying on their performances." He concluded by expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity to work with both athletes. "It’s a privilege to have been part of their journeys," Davison said. "I feel extremely lucky and blessed to have contributed to the careers of two of the sport’s biggest icons.
Their dedication, work ethic, and ability to handle pressure deserve the utmost respect." In summary, Davison’s perspective underscores that a carefully managed warm‑up bout can serve as a valuable stepping stone for Joshua, allowing him to confirm his physical readiness and fine‑tune his tactics before the high‑profile encounter with Fury. Both fighters have already left an indelible mark on British boxing, and their upcoming showdown promises to be a defining moment for the sport’s future.