There is a seductive idea that whenever a trainer faces a boxer he used to work with: he must know the secret to beating him. In the case of Anthony Joshua, that thought is especially tempting because of Ben Davison’s history with Tyson Fury.
Davison remember was the mastermind behind one of the greatest comebacks in sports history – when Fury returned from mental health issues and massive weight gain to once again become a heavyweight boxing force.
Since then he has crossed the divide to join Joshua’s camp – advising him during impressive beatdowns of Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou in late 2023 and early 2024. Then things went horribly south when AJ failed in his bid to become a three-time heavyweight champion as he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
Then Davison was out in the cold as Joshua worked with Oleksandr Usyk’s team in wins over Jake Paul and Kristian Prenga, but now Ben is back with AJ’s trainer Eddie Hearn confirming the news.
“Ben’s a great trainer. Even in the last fight and the one before, he was always working with Ben Davison behind the scenes,” Hearn said.
“Obviously, Ben Davison knows Tyson Fury pretty well as well. I don’t think that’s the defining reason. But AJ just felt it would be a good addition to the camp.
“So, he’ll be the head trainer going into this fight. He’s still working with Usyk’s team and those guys as well.”
It’s easy to think that reuniting with a man who once trained Fury is the silver bullet to beat ‘The Gypsy King’, but elite boxing rarely rewards that sort of shortcut.
Familiarity can help a corner prepare but it cannot throw the jab, win the exchanges or make a split-second decision under pressure.
What Davison knows about Fury
Fury, a two-time heavyweight champion, is among the most awkward heavyweights of his generation. His reach, movement and ability to change rhythm have frustrated opponents who expected a more straightforward contest.
Davison’s first-hand experience could help Joshua anticipate certain habits. But Fury has evolved since their partnership, it’s more than seven years since they last worked together. A successful plan must account for the fighter he is now, not just the one Davison once trained.
The one thing AJ must get right
Joshua’s jab could be absolutely crucial. If he allows Fury to dictate the distance and pace, he risks spending long stretches chasing shadows.
AJ has the power to trouble any heavyweight, but he cannot rely on loading up with a single right hand. He needs to establish range, vary the attack and avoid predictable entries.
Then there is Fury’s physicality at close quarters. Joshua will need to work efficiently, resist being tied up and find a way back to his preferred distance.
Why the trainer won’t decide it alone
There is a temptation to make Davison’s connection the defining factor. In reality, the decisive moments will come when the fighters are alone in centre ring.
The corner can devise the plan and make adjustments between rounds. Joshua must execute them against one of the smartest operators of his era. Fury’s boxing IQ is off the charts, he has been out to deep waters many times but never been knocked out.
Joshua does not need Davison to reveal a secret. He needs a plan that survives contact with Fury: a disciplined jab, sensible feet and the confidence to change course when the first idea stops working.
That is a far harder task, and the true secret to solving this big-fight puzzle.
