As negotiations progress, Ricky Hatton has given his thoughts on the likely fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.
The two heavyweight champions have agreed to meet in early 2023 to fight for the chance to become the division’s sole champion, with just a date and location still to finalise.
With both men undefeated and highly rated for their skills in the ring, the fight is one deserving of its legacy.
The former two-weight world champion, Hatton, has weighed in on what’s perhaps the most sought after fight in the sport, and he’s picking a clear winner.
It will perhaps come as no surprise that the former champion is picking his countryman and friend, Fury. He told Beanyman News why.
“I can’t see past Tyson. I can’t see him losing against anyone to be honest with you. But Usyk’s an Olympic Gold Medalist, undisputed cruiserweight, heavyweight champion of the world – so if anybody’s got a chance of beating Tyson it’s Usyk.
I just think [Fury] beats him in all areas. He’s taller, he’s bigger, he’s heavier, he’s stronger. He can fight southpaw or orthodox. Fight up close, fight at a distance. I think it’s hard to look against Tyson.”
Hatton’s prediction follows suit with plenty others in the sport, Fury’s size being the deciding factor in many.
Despite the odds seemingly stacked against him, Usyk has claimed to have spotted flaws in Fury and believes he has the tools to exploit them.
The Ukrainian went into his first fight against Anthony Joshua as underdog and came out the other end as the unified heavyweight champion of the world.
He proved his staying power in the division with a rematch victory over ‘AJ’ one year later, and will head into an undisputed fight as confident as ever.