Ricky Hatton believes ‘punching machine’ Gennady Golovkin will be too strong for Kell Brook
RICKY HATTON fears Kell Brook has bitten off more than he can chew against Gennady Golovkin.
Hatton is full of admiration for Brook's decision to jump up from welterweight to challenge Golovkin for the WBC and IBF world middleweight titles.
But he is not convinced the unbeaten Sheffield star, 30, will emerge victorious at London's O2 Arena on Saturday night.
The Hitman said: "You have to give Kell credit for taking such a big fight. A lot of people would probably turn it down but he’s gone for it.
"I hope he does it, but Golovkin is a punching machine.
"Kell will have some success, he’s a big hitter and a good boxer, but you think size will tell.
"He has to use his boxing ability. He has to use a lot of movement and has to hit GGG hard. If you pitter-patter, pitter-patter he’s gonna get you.
"It will be a very tough ask.”
Brook's last outing in March saw him stop Kevin Bizier in two rounds to retain the IBF welterweight title.
That routine defence will be worlds apart from the showdown with undefeated Golovkin, who has knocked out 32 of his 35 opponents.
But Hatton, 37, insists his fellow Brit was right to grab the opportunity to tackle the fearsome puncher having previously been overlooked for the big fights he craves.
The former two-weight world champ added: "People have wanted him to fight the Amir Khans, the big names, and now one of the biggest in boxing has come forward so why wouldn’t he take it?
"Kell has been watching the parade go by a little bit. Khan hasn’t come off, Manny Pacquaio or Floyd Mayweather didn’t happen either.
"Once you become a champion, you get a few quid in the bank and want to test yourself.
"He has had some routine defences but after that you want to test yourself. The opportunities haven’t come so no wonder he’s grasped this one.
“You can’t blame him for going for the money."