Tyson Fury ‘has the advantage over Anthony Joshua’, claims Ricky Hatton as ex-champion nears return
RICKY HATTON is backing Tyson Fury to dethrone Anthony Joshua.
The ex-unified world heavyweight champion's anti-doping hearing will resume in December as a sensational return to the ring draws nearer.
Fury, 29, looks to be on a collision course with IBF, WBA and IBO king Joshua, 28.
Former two-weight world champ Hatton was last week pictured alongside an out-of-shape Fury.
But he told : "Don't let that picture fool you. He's in good shape, he's actually sparring. He sparred eight rounds in the gym the other day. He looks really well.
"He's lost three stone and he'd be the first to admit he wants to lose another four, but the main thing is he's setting his stall out.
"His movement and hands are really fast and that's carrying a load of excess. He won't mind me saying that.
"Once he sheds that weight, with his speed and movement, if he fought Anthony Joshua he'd definitely have the advantage. And with a little bit of extra weight on him he'd have a good chance."
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Fury is targeting a 2018 comeback and is already probing the biggest names in the heavyweight division.
And Hatton, 39, is desperate to see his fellow Mancunian regain his seat on the throne.
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He said: "Tyson's had a few problems along the way.
"He's been in my gym the last few weeks and he's looking really happy. He's looking like he's got his mojo back and wants to train now, wants to get fit.
"We had a heavyweight champion of the world in Manchester which we could be really proud of.
"He's had his problems but let's give him a fair crack of the whip to get his life back together."