Former trainer Ben Davison, who has spent considerable time in the camps of both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, says that Joshua is making a sensible choice by scheduling a tune‑up fight before his much‑anticipated clash with Fury. Joshua is slated to step back into the ring on July 25 in Riyadh, where he will meet Kristian Prenga, a bout that will serve as a final preparation ahead of a potential showdown with Fury later in the year. There have been questions about whether adding a warm‑up fight could create an extra obstacle for Joshua on the road to what could become the biggest heavyweight contest between two British fighters in recent memory. Davison, however, believes the extra match is exactly what Joshua needs.
"Everyone knows about the car crash and the injuries that came with it," he told Sky Sports. "He needs to make sure his body is fully healed and ready before stepping 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 pointed out that Joshua is not one to publicise any physical setbacks.
"He’s always been very private about any injuries," the trainer explained. "Whether he’s won or lost, he never brings those issues into the public arena.
He simply endures them, works on them behind the scenes, and that quiet determination is something to be respected." Having worked intensively with both men, Davison occupies a rare position that gives him insight into their preparations and mindsets, though he stopped short of making any predictions about the eventual winner. "When you reach that elite level, both fighters have the capability to win," he said. "It ultimately comes down to how each of them approaches the night, and I can’t say exactly how they will each choose to do that." He did note, however, that there are clear parallels between the two heavyweights.
"At their core, both are genuinely good‑natured individuals," Davison observed. "But the way they present themselves to the public, their showmanship, is completely different.
Still, both have transformed British boxing and have reshaped the sport’s landscape. That alone speaks volumes about their influence." The trainer also highlighted the immense pressures that come with being at the top of the heavyweight division. "The demands they face, the expectations placed on them, and the constant scrutiny are extraordinary," Davison said.
"Most people can’t even imagine the level of pressure they endure day in and day out. There’s a huge amount of responsibility, a massive fan base looking for success, and a lot of financial stakes involved." He added that while both men share similar pressures, their coping mechanisms differ.
"They both have to deal with the same kind of stress, but they handle it in their own ways. That’s part of what makes each of them unique." Davison concluded by expressing his gratitude for having been part of both of their journeys.
"I’m extremely grateful, lucky, and blessed to have worked with both of those champions," he said. "Their dedication to the sport and the way they’ve pushed boxing forward in the UK is something that will be remembered for years to come." In summary, Davison’s perspective underscores the practicality of a warm‑up fight for Joshua, especially given his recent recovery from a serious accident. By testing his readiness against Prenga, Joshua can gauge his physical condition, fine‑tune his strategy, and enter the Fury bout with confidence. At the same time, the trainer’s comments remind fans that both heavyweight stars operate under extraordinary pressure, and their differing approaches to the sport’s theatrical side only add to the intrigue surrounding their eventual clash.
The upcoming July 25 fight in Riyadh will therefore not only be a stepping stone for Joshua but also a key piece of the larger narrative that will culminate in a historic British heavyweight showdown.