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 tune‑up fight ahead of a potential clash with Fury is a sensible one. Joshua is slated to step back into the ring on July 25, taking on Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, a bout that will serve as a preparatory test before any future showdown with Fury later in the year. Some observers have voiced concerns that adding another fight to Joshua’s schedule could create an extra obstacle on the road to the highly anticipated all‑British heavyweight showdown.
Davison, however, argues that the benefits outweigh the risks. "Everyone knows about the car accident and the crash, and it’s obvious that he emerged from that incident with some injuries," the trainer explained to Sky Sports. "You have to make sure his body is in the right condition and ready to perform before you commit to a fight of that magnitude, which is a logical approach. Tyson, for his part, has already had his own tune‑up bout." Davison also highlighted Joshua’s habit of keeping any physical setbacks private.
"He’s always been that way. Whether he’s won or lost, he rarely talks about any issues publicly," the coach said. "He tends to take any pain on the chin, work through it quietly, and that resilience is something to admire." Having worked intensively with both champions, Davison occupies a rare position that gives him insight into their preparation and mindset, though he stopped short of making a prediction about the eventual outcome of a Joshua‑Fury encounter.
"When you reach that elite level, both men have the capacity to win. It ultimately comes down to how they approach the fight, and I can’t say exactly how each will do that," he remarked. He did point out a few parallels between the two fighters. "At their core, they’re both genuinely good‑natured people," Davison noted.
"But the way they’ve embraced the showmanship aspect of boxing is completely different. Still, both have revolutionised the sport in the UK and have fundamentally altered the game, which says a lot about their impact." The trainer also acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with their status. "The toll it takes is significant. The pressures, the expectations, the constant scrutiny—those are things most people can’t even begin to understand," he said.
"There’s high pressure, high expectation, and a lot of people counting on them. It’s incredibly tough, and we can only commend what they’ve achieved in the sport.
I feel extremely grateful, lucky, and blessed to have worked with both of them." Davison’s comments underline a broader theme in heavyweight boxing: the importance of strategic matchmaking and proper physical preparation. After the accident that left Joshua with undisclosed injuries, a carefully chosen opponent like Prenga offers a chance to gauge his recovery without the stakes of a major title bout. It also provides a platform to fine‑tune tactics, sharpen timing, and rebuild confidence in a controlled environment.
From a tactical perspective, a warm‑up fight can serve multiple purposes. It allows the athlete’s conditioning team to assess stamina under real‑fight conditions, gives the coaching staff an opportunity to test adjustments made in training, and offers the fighter a chance to experience the psychological rhythm of stepping into the arena again. For Joshua, who has historically been reticent about sharing injury details, this approach also respects his preference for privacy while still ensuring he returns to competition in optimal shape. On the other side, Fury’s recent tune‑up bout demonstrates a similar philosophy.
By staying active and taking on opponents who provide a measured challenge, he maintains sharpness and avoids the rust that can develop from long layoffs. This parallel in preparation underscores why Davison sees the decision as logical for both athletes.
Looking ahead, the potential Joshua‑Fury clash remains one of the most tantalising prospects for British boxing fans. While the exact timing is still uncertain, the groundwork being laid through these interim fights will likely influence the eventual showdown.
Whether the bout will be a classic tactical battle, a display of raw power, or a blend of both will depend on how each fighter adapts after their respective warm‑up engagements. In summary, Ben Davison supports Anthony Joshua’s plan to take a preparatory fight before any possible meeting with Tyson Fury.
He emphasizes the necessity of confirming Joshua’s physical readiness after his accident, acknowledges the fighter’s tendency to keep injuries private, and highlights the broader pressures both champions face. By drawing on his unique experience with both men, Davison provides a balanced view that stresses preparation, resilience, and respect for the athletes’ journeys, while also reminding fans that the ultimate outcome will hinge on how each boxer approaches the eventual encounter.