Manchester legend Ricky Hatton believes the former champion Tyson Fury (25-0, 18 KOs) - if he gets fully fit - would have a good chance to shock IBF, IBO, WBA champion Anthony Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs).
Fury has been out of the ring since November 2015, when he traveled to Germany to capture the WBO, IBF, WBA, IBO titles from Wladimir Klitschko with a huge upset via a twelve round unanimous decision.
During his absence from the ring, Fury put on a lot of weight and now he's in training for a potential ring return - provided that he reclaims his boxing license and overcomes a hearing later this month with UK Anti-Doping - who claim the boxer tested positive for a banned substance in early 2015.
Hatton, who himself battled weight issues between fights, says Fury is really getting in top form by losing weight, sparring hard, and already regaining his movement and speed.
“He’s lost three stone and he wouldn’t be the first one to admit he wants to lose another four,” Hatton told Talk Sport.
“But the main thing is that he’s setting his stall out. Tyson has had a few issues along the way. He’s been in my gym a lot the last few weeks and he’s looking really, really happy. It looks like he’s got his mojo back and he wants to train - and wants to get fit –and it would be nice to see as a fellow Mancunian.
“We had a heavyweight champion of the world in Manchester that we could be really proud of. He’s had his problems but let’s give him a fair crack of the whip and give him a go at putting his life back together. He’s doing that slowly but surely, and it’s brilliant to see him in that way.”
Hatton revealed that Fury is sparring and even took part in an eight round session last week. He says the heavyweight's hands are very quick, even with the added weight.
If he can get his body back in order, Hatton gives him a good shot to get back on top.
“He’s sparring. He actually sparred eight rounds in the gym the other day,” Hatton added. “His hands are really fast – and that’s carrying a load of excess [weight].
“Once he sheds that weight along with his movement, if he fought Anthony Joshua he would definitely have an advantage in the speed and movement. And with a little bit of extra weight on him he would definitely have a good chance.”
