Tyson Fury says Anthony Joshua is 'mentally weak' after reuniting with Ben Davison for December

Fury reaction

Fury: Joshua going back to Davison is a sign of weakness

Tyson Fury responded sharply when informed that Anthony Joshua will be working with Ben Davison ahead of their December meeting. Fury told Boxing News: "It’s the same Ben Davison he left because he wasn’t good enough one fight ago. I don’t make anything of it, to be fair. He left Ben Davison for a reason; now he’s gone back begging him to train him. Mentally weak is what I see." The remark frames the change as a psychological issue for Joshua, according to Fury’s assessment, and was delivered in the context of the pair being scheduled to fight on Friday 11 December at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Trainer history

Davison’s links to both men underlined

Ben Davison has history with both fighters. He was in Anthony Joshua’s corner when Joshua challenged for world honours and was the trainer in place for the defeat to IBF champion Daniel Dubois, which ended inside five rounds. After that loss Joshua moved away from Davison to work with members of Oleksandr Usyk’s team. Davison also famously trained Tyson Fury during his 2018 comeback, working with him for five fights before Fury left to join Sugar Hill Steward. The Davison connection therefore adds a notable shared thread to the build‑up to the December bout.

Fight status

Cardiff date and title on the line

Fury and Joshua are set to meet at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Friday 11 December. Reports say the WBA title is on the line, meaning both men will have the chance to claim another world heavyweight title. The scheduling comes more than a decade after the pair were first linked and follows separate periods of upheaval and change in each man’s camp.

Unresolved details

Other coaching additions and exact role for Davison remain unclear

Boxing News reports that Ben Davison will work with Anthony Joshua in some capacity, but the exact nature of his role remains unspecified. The report also notes that Davison is not the only former Fury trainer expected to be involved with Joshua’s preparations, with another 'big name' said to be assisting him — no further identity was provided. At present, the extent of Davison’s involvement, any supporting staff and how these changes will affect preparations for 11 December have not been detailed publicly.