Boxing
Will under-the-radar Wach test suit Fury for Joshua preparations?
Joshua vs. Prenga: Only on DAZN PPV - Saturday
Tyson Fury returns to the ring on Friday, - but it will not be among the bright lights of Las Vegas, London or Riyadh this time.
Instead, 'The Gyspy King' will swap his favourite haunts for a destination half the world away, in the Thailand city of Pattaya, just 24 hours before Anthony Joshua makes his return to the ring in Jeddah live and exclusive on DAZN PPV.
It marks a major reversal for the star's usual modus operandi - and yet, it is the kind of move that could prove to benefit him.
Since reversing his decision to retire at the start of the year, Fury has often courted the media storm, even away from home.
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BUY NOW HERE: Joshua vs. Prenga PPV for £19.99 / $59.99 or included in DAZN's Ultimate Tier subscription
His return to the United Kingdom for April's win over Arslanbek Makhmudov was another show of force and spectacle to boot.
But may his low-key approach prove more beneficial for his plans - and in turn, facing Anthony Joshua ? DAZN News explains.
Why is Fury fighting again before Joshua?
Having defeated Makhmudov in London, Fury called out rival Joshua at ringside to agree to their bout - but the latter passed.
While confirmation of a deal subsequently followed, 'AJ' and his own plans for a tune-up effectively blocked a summer show.
That saw Fury pivot, with original suggestions that he could fight on the Pierce O'Leary-Mark Chamberlain bill next month.
Whether it would have seen the star take headline duties in Dublin or not was a question up in the air - and one unanswered.
Fury eventually announced in late June that he would face Wach in less than four weeks - and would do so in Pattaya too.
Why is Fury fighting in Thailand?
Simply put, staying in Southeast Asia offers the least amount of disruption to Fury's work schedule, given it is where he trains.
A bout in Thailand requires minimal additional movement for the star, keeping him close to a part of the world he is familiar with.
Since returning to the ring, 'The Gypsy King' has spent most of his camps far away from British shores, further honing his craft.
Additionally, the star has stated that profits from his bout at the nearby Max Muay Thai Stadium will go to local charities as well.
But perhaps most prudently, it is a location - and one without broadcast - that means the star will be away from some prying eyes.
Will low-key nature benefit Fury?
A showman to the hilt, Fury has always loved the limelight. But his battles both inside and outside of the ring may have left a toll.
Few fighters relish the gauntlet of commitments the modern mega-sized fight week brings. Many would rather keep it simple.
For all his soundbite-friendly moments, Fury may be no different here. By keeping things intimate in Thailand, he keeps in simple.
The lack of a media onslaught, the freedom to skip the usual engagements - it all adds up to a preparation away from the norm.
Whether it helps the star refresh remains to be seen. But next to Joshua and the business of Jeddah, it may prove a shrewd move.
Harry Murphy/Getty Images
Joshua vs. Prenga - exclusively on DAZN PPV
Watch Anthony Joshua versus Kristian Prenga this Saturday, July 25, as part of a huge 24 hours of boxing on DAZN PPV.Â
Buy as a one-off PPV or included along with Spence Jr. vs. Tszyu on the same night, and Moses Itauma vs. Hrgovic (Aug 29) and Canelo vs. Mbilli (Oct) PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
