Former heavyweight trainer Ben Davison, who has spent considerable time in the corners of both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, says that Joshua is making a sensible choice by arranging a preparatory fight ahead of his much‑anticipated showdown 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 tune‑up before the British heavyweight clash later in the year. Some observers worry that adding another fight to Joshua’s calendar could create an extra obstacle on the road to the all‑British heavyweight marquee event.
Davison, however, argues that the decision is prudent. "Everyone knows about the car crash and the injuries that resulted from it," the trainer explained to Sky Sports. "You have to make sure his body is fully recovered and ready to perform at the highest level before you take on a fight of that magnitude. It’s a logical step, especially when you consider that Tyson has already had his own tune‑up fight." Davison also pointed out that Joshua is not a fighter who typically airs his physical setbacks in public.
"He’s always been very private about any aches or bruises," Davison said. "Whether he’s won or lost, he never feels the need to broadcast his condition. He simply absorbs the pain, works through it quietly, and that resilience is something to admire." Having guided both men through pivotal moments in their careers, Davison occupies a unique position when it comes to assessing the upcoming clash.
He stopped short of naming a favorite, noting that at the elite level both athletes possess the tools to claim victory. "It ultimately comes down to the strategy each man employs on the night, and I can’t predict how they’ll each approach the fight," he remarked. Despite their differing personalities, Davison sees a number of parallels between Joshua and Fury.
"At their core, both are genuinely good‑natured individuals," he observed. "What sets them apart is the way they’ve each embraced the theatrical side of boxing. Their approaches to showmanship are almost opposite, yet both have fundamentally reshaped the sport, particularly within the United Kingdom. Their influence has been transformative, and that alone says a lot about their legacy." Davison also highlighted the mental and emotional toll that comes with being at the pinnacle of the sport.
"The pressures they face are immense – the expectations, the scrutiny, the responsibility to a huge fan base. Most people can’t even fathom the weight of that pressure," he said. "There’s constant media attention, financial stakes, and the knowledge that millions are counting on them to deliver.
It’s a heavy burden, and the way each of them handles it is distinctly different." He praised both fighters for their perseverance, adding, "You have to commend what they’ve accomplished in boxing. I feel incredibly fortunate, grateful, and blessed to have worked alongside both of them.
Their dedication to the sport has set a benchmark for future generations." In summary, Davison believes that Joshua’s decision to fight Prenga in Riyadh is a calculated move aimed at ensuring he enters the Fury bout in optimal physical condition. By taking a measured approach to recovery and preparation, Joshua can address any lingering issues from his previous accident without taking unnecessary risks. Meanwhile, the contrast between Joshua’s low‑key handling of injuries and Fury’s more public preparation style underscores the diverse paths these two champions have taken to reach the top of the heavyweight division. As the summer progresses, the boxing world will watch closely to see how Joshua performs in his warm‑up fight and whether the experience sharpens his tactics for the eventual clash with Fury.
Regardless of the outcome, both fighters have already left an indelible mark on British boxing, and their upcoming encounter promises to be a defining moment for the sport’s future.