Ricky Hatton: Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to return from Ukraine and fight Anthony Joshua is truly inspirational

In his latest column, the British boxing legend looks ahead to Anthony Joshua’s rematch against Oleksandr Usyk and previews another big weekend for Fightzone.

After a lot of a delays and what has been a very tough time for the champion, Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua looks to finally be back on.

Usyk was already one of the most admired fighters out there and the respect he deserves coming into this rematch is massive. Bearing in mind all that he and his country of Ukraine is going through, it is absolutely incredible and truly inspirational.

We all know Joshua will be right up for the rematch. He was humbled in his own back yard when he lost those world titles last year and he absolutely has a point to prove.

He has also got a changed team behind him with Angel Fernandez seemingly now taking the lead in camp so there will be a lot of eyes on what he does in there.

Joshua will be more determined than ever to get those belts back so in that respect, it was already a huge fight for Usyk, I believe. So when you factor in what he is coming back from and what his country is going through, you have to take your hat off to him.

As to far as who will be the bigger threat in this fight, it is hard to say. We have seen what Usyk is capable over the years, dominating the cruiserweight division and what he did to Joshua last year.

But it has been such a disheartening time for Usyk and his countrymen. Boxing has been the last thing on his mind and to have to go in and fight Anthony Joshua will be tough.

Joshua has got to be up for it because Usyk is fighting for his country here, to send the right message back home. There is so much going on in the minds of both fighters.

It’s another title fight on Fightzone this weekend as Tommy Frank