Ricky Hatton believes boxing industry has 'f***** up' if Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua never happens

Ricky Hatton believes that the boxing industry will have "f***** up" if Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua never happens.

The former world champion made the admission as he assessed the Gypsy Kings' chances for his festive rematch against Oleksandr Usyk. The heavyweight pair meet again on Saturday, December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with the Ukrainian's IBO, WBC and WBO world heavyweight titles on the line. Back in May, Usyk overcame a tough start against Fury to take over in the second round for a split decision win after nine rounds.

But Hatton claims Tyson Fury still has a good chance of avenging his defeat - and needs to if his bout with AJ is ever to happen. Joshua's potential rematch with Daniel Dubois is also critical to make boxing fans' dreams come true. Speaking in an interview with US sports media company, The Action Network, Hatton said: "I do think Tyson, and I say this with love, has reached as good as he’s going to be. His lifestyle over the years, when he went through that bad period and had to lose all of the weight, will catch up with you eventually and I think Tyson has found himself at that point. But I do think he still has a good chance of winning the rematch. The fact he is the naturally bigger man will work in his favour."

Hatton has seen Fury's undeniable ability first hand - both on the pads and between the ears. He said: “He’s a lot bigger and taller than Usyk and is a very clever thinking fighter. When he used to train in my gym when Ben Davison used to train him, I used to stand back and watch him in amazement and admiration on just how clever he is. He can fight up close, fight on the back foot and the fact that he is a clever fighter, he will be able to go away, study the fight, watch the fight