Anthony Joshua Right to Take Warm-Up Fight Before Tyson Fury Clash, Says Former Trainer Ben Davison

Anthony Joshua’s decision to take a warm-up fight before facing Tyson Fury in the most anticipated heavyweight bout of 2026 has received a ringing endorsement from Ben Davison, the trainer who has worked with both British boxing superstars. Davison, speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, defended Joshua’s choice to face Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on July 25, arguing that the former unified heavyweight champion needs to ensure his body is fully prepared after a recent car accident.

The all-British showdown between Joshua and Fury, which has been years in the making, is now officially signed and set to take place later this year. However, Joshua’s decision to take a tune-up fight has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with some questioning whether the additional bout could add unnecessary risk before the mega-fight. Davison, however, believes the move is a calculated and necessary step for Joshua’s physical and mental readiness.

“Most people can’t even comprehend the pressure that comes with a fight of this magnitude,” Davison told Sky Sports. “Everybody knows about the accident and the crash. Naturally, he would have come out of that with injuries. It makes sense to ensure his body is good and ready before stepping into the ring with Tyson.”

Why Joshua’s Warm-Up Fight Makes Sense

Joshua, a two-time former unified heavyweight champion, has faced his share of setbacks in recent years, including back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022. His return to the ring in 2023 saw him reclaim the IBF title with a dominant victory over Jermaine Franklin, followed by a successful defense against Robert Helenius. However, a car accident in late 2025 raised concerns about his physical condition, prompting his team to take a cautious approach ahead of the Fury fight.

Davison, who has trained both Joshua and Fury at different stages of their careers, emphasized that Joshua has always been private about injuries. “He’s always been like that,” Davison said. “There have been situations in fights that he’s won, and in fights that he’s lost, where he’s never looked to share those details publicly. It’s just the way he is.”

The July 25 bout against Prenga, a 29-year-old Albanian heavyweight with a record of 19-3 (15 KOs), will serve as Joshua’s first fight since his accident. Prenga, although not a household name, is a durable and experienced opponent who has faced top contenders like Otto Wallin and Joe Joyce. The fight will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a venue that has become a major hub for high-profile boxing events in recent years. Details about the fight, including the official announcement and undercard, can be found on the Premier Boxing Champions website.

The Pressure of a Mega-Fight

The Joshua vs. Fury bout is more than just a fight—it’s a cultural event. The two British heavyweights have been circling each other for years, with negotiations repeatedly stalling over financial terms, venue disputes, and promotional conflicts. The rivalry has captured the imagination of boxing fans worldwide, with both fighters boasting impressive records: Joshua at 28-3 (25 KOs) and Fury at 34-0-1 (24 KOs).

Fury, the reigning WBC heavyweight champion, recently took his own warm-up fight in March 2026, stopping former WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie in the fourth round. The victory reaffirmed Fury’s status as one of the most dominant heavyweights in the world, but questions remain about his conditioning and durability as he approaches his 38th birthday. Joshua, meanwhile, is looking to prove that he is back to his best after a turbulent few years.

Davison’s endorsement of Joshua’s warm-up fight highlights the unique pressures of a bout of this magnitude. “This isn’t just another fight,” Davison said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for both men. You have to be at 100% physically and mentally. If that means taking one fight to obtain there, then so be it.”

What’s Next for Joshua and Fury?

With Joshua’s warm-up fight against Prenga confirmed for July 25, all eyes will be on his performance. A convincing victory would send a strong message to Fury and his team, while any signs of rust or vulnerability could reignite doubts about Joshua’s readiness for the main event. Fury, meanwhile, is expected to remain active in the coming months, with rumors of a potential exhibition bout or another tune-up fight before the Joshua showdown.

The official date for Joshua vs. Fury has not yet been announced, but promotional materials and insider reports suggest the fight will take place in the final quarter of 2026. The venue is widely expected to be Riyadh, which has hosted several major boxing events in recent years, including the historic Fury vs. Usyk undisputed heavyweight championship bout in 2024.

For fans eager to secure tickets or follow the latest updates, the official Matchroom Boxing website is the best source for confirmed details. Both fighters have also been active on social media, with Joshua and Fury exchanging verbal jabs and promotional videos in the lead-up to the fight.

Key Stakeholders and What’s at Stake

The Joshua vs. Fury bout is not just a personal rivalry—it’s a fight with significant implications for the heavyweight division and the sport of boxing as a whole. Here’s a breakdown of the key stakeholders and what they stand to gain or lose:

• Anthony Joshua: A victory would cement his legacy as one of Britain’s greatest heavyweights and potentially set up a lucrative trilogy fight with Oleksandr Usyk. A loss, however, could mark the beginning of the conclude for his career at the highest level.
• Tyson Fury: A win would solidify his claim as the greatest British heavyweight of all time and potentially pave the way for a final showdown with Usyk. A loss, however, could tarnish his unbeaten record and raise questions about his future in the sport.
• Promoters and Broadcasters: The fight is expected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue, with broadcasters like Sky Sports, DAZN, and ESPN all vying for broadcasting rights. The bout is also a major opportunity for Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, which has invested heavily in bringing high-profile sporting events to the kingdom.
• Boxing Fans: For fans, this is the fight they’ve been waiting for—a clash between two of the most charismatic and talented heavyweights of their generation. The outcome could shape the future of the division for years to come.

What Happens If Joshua Loses to Prenga?

While few expect Joshua to lose to Prenga, the boxing world has seen its share of upsets. A loss—or even a lackluster performance—could have serious repercussions for Joshua’s confidence and the momentum leading into the Fury fight. It could also embolden Fury, who has never shied away from trash-talking his opponents.

However, Davison downplayed the risks, emphasizing that Joshua’s focus is on long-term success rather than short-term results. “Anthony is a professional,” Davison said. “He knows what’s at stake. This fight against Prenga is about getting him sharp, getting him confident, and making sure he’s ready for Tyson. It’s not about taking unnecessary risks.”

The Road to Riyadh

As the countdown to July 25 begins, Joshua’s training camp is expected to intensify. The former Olympic gold medalist has always been known for his disciplined approach to preparation, and this fight will be no different. His team, led by trainer Angel Fernandez, will be focused on fine-tuning his technique, improving his stamina, and ensuring he is mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.

Fury, meanwhile, has been vocal about his confidence in the lead-up to the fight. In a recent interview with BBC Sport, he dismissed concerns about Joshua’s warm-up fight, calling it “irrelevant” and stating that he is “ready to knock him out whenever the time comes.”

The rivalry between Joshua and Fury has been building for nearly a decade, with both fighters trading barbs in the media and on social media. The anticipation for their showdown has reached fever pitch, and the boxing world is bracing for what could be one of the most memorable heavyweight fights in history.

Key Takeaways

• Joshua’s Warm-Up Fight: Anthony Joshua will face Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Riyadh as a tune-up before his highly anticipated bout against Tyson Fury later in 2026.
• Davison’s Endorsement: Ben Davison, who has trained both Joshua and Fury, believes the warm-up fight is the right decision, citing Joshua’s recent car accident and the require to ensure his body is fully prepared.
• Pressure of the Mega-Fight: The Joshua vs. Fury bout is more than just a fight—it’s a cultural event with significant implications for both fighters’ legacies and the future of the heavyweight division.
• Stakes for Both Fighters: A victory for Joshua would cement his legacy, while a win for Fury would solidify his claim as the greatest British heavyweight of all time.
• Next Steps: Joshua’s performance against Prenga will be closely watched, with the Fury fight expected to take place in the final quarter of 2026, likely in Riyadh.

What’s Next?

The next major milestone in this saga is Joshua’s fight against Kristian Prenga on July 25. Fans can expect a flurry of promotional activity in the coming weeks, including press conferences, media workouts, and social media content from both fighters. The outcome of this fight will set the tone for the Joshua vs. Fury showdown and could influence the dynamics of their rivalry.

For the latest updates, fans are encouraged to follow the official social media accounts of Anthony Joshua (Instagram, X/Twitter) and Tyson Fury (Instagram, X/Twitter). Official announcements regarding the Joshua vs. Fury fight, including the date and venue, are expected to be made in the coming months.

What are your thoughts on Joshua’s decision to take a warm-up fight before facing Fury? Do you think it’s the right move, or should he have gone straight for the main event? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation!