Former trainer Ben Davison, who has spent considerable time in the camps of both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, says that the British heavyweight’s decision to line up a preparatory fight ahead of his much‑anticipated clash with Fury is a sensible one. Joshua is slated to step back into the ring on July 25 in Riyadh, where he will meet Kristian Prenga, before taking on the former world champion later in the year. Some observers have voiced concerns that adding an extra bout could create an unnecessary obstacle on the road to the all‑British heavyweight showdown, but Davison believes the benefits outweigh the risks. "Everyone knows about the car accident and the crash that Anthony went through," Davison told Sky Sports.
"Naturally, he would have emerged with some injuries, even if they weren’t immediately obvious. The priority now is to make sure his body is fully healed and ready for the big fight. That’s a logical approach, especially when you compare it to Tyson, who has already had his own tune‑up bout." Davison also highlighted Joshua’s habit of keeping any physical setbacks private.
"He’s always been a very private person when it comes to injuries. Throughout his career there have been moments—both in victories and defeats—where he’s dealt with issues behind the scenes, but he never makes a public spectacle of them," the trainer explained. "He tends to take the hits, work through them silently, and that resilience is something to admire." Having coached both fighters, Davison occupies a rare position that gives him insight into their preparation styles, though he stopped short of making any predictions about the eventual outcome. "When you reach the elite level, both men have the ability to win.
It really comes down to how they approach the night, the strategy they employ, and the adjustments they make on the day. I can’t say exactly how each will fight, but both have the tools to come out on top," he said. He did note, however, that the two share certain core traits despite their contrasting public personas. "At their core, both are genuinely good‑natured people.
The way they present themselves to the world, though, is almost polar opposite. Yet both have revolutionised British boxing and have taken the sport to new heights," Davison observed. "That kind of impact speaks volumes about their influence." The trainer also reflected on the mental and emotional pressures that accompany such high‑profile careers.
"The demands placed on them are enormous. They have to navigate constant media scrutiny, fan expectations, and the weight of representing an entire nation.
The stress is something most people can’t fully grasp," he added. "There’s a massive amount of pressure, high expectations, and countless people counting on them to deliver.
It’s a heavy burden, and both have handled it remarkably well." Davison expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with both champions, describing it as a privilege. "I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to have been part of their journeys. Their dedication, work ethic, and willingness to evolve have set a new standard in the sport," he said.
"Seeing how they’ve each carved out a unique legacy while pushing each other forward has been fascinating." In summary, Davison believes that Joshua’s decision to take a tune‑up fight is a prudent step toward ensuring he enters the ring with Fury in optimal condition. By addressing any lingering physical concerns and gaining fresh ring experience, Joshua can approach the showdown with confidence and clarity. The trainer’s perspective underscores the importance of preparation, resilience, and mental fortitude in elite boxing, and it highlights how both fighters have reshaped the landscape of heavyweight boxing in the United Kingdom.
As the calendar moves forward, fans can anticipate a compelling narrative that will culminate in one of the most significant heavyweight bouts in recent memory.