Ricky Hatton makes Tyson Fury retirement feelings crystal clear with mega announcement incoming
Ricky Hatton doesn't think Tyson Fury should retire from boxing just yet
GETTY
Ricky Hatton has opened up on the possibility of Tyson Fury quitting boxing and retiring.
The Gypsy King has faced criticism for his recent victory over Francis Ngannou, even if he was able to win via split decision.
Fury was sent to the canvas in round three of the bout by a man with no boxing experience.
Some, including former British boxer George Groves, has expressed a belief he could retire as a result.
Tyson Fury has been tipped to retire by some pundits after his recent victory over Francis Ngannou
GETTY
Fury doesn't plan to hang up his gloves just yet, however.
His upcoming battle with Oleksandr Usyk will be announced on Thursday night, with the two men finally set to fight for the heavyweight title.
And Hatton, speaking to Betting Sites, thinks Fury won't retire - and only the 35-year-old will make that decision when the time eventually comes.
“When I made my comeback fight, I knew after two rounds that my ability had gone," he stated.
"But if Tyson’s the man I think he is, and clever as I think he is, I think he’ll know more than anyone whether it’s time to hang his gloves up.
“If he gets the Usyk fight sorted next, I think the best Tyson Fury will turn up.
"He’ll want to bounce back from the Ngannou fight. He’ll train hard, he’ll put his foot down because of the last fight.
"It might not have been such a bad thing, having a bit of stinker just before the Usyk fight.
"It might force him to get back on track.
"Had Tyson had knocked him out in two rounds, he might have gone into the Usyk fight a bit complacent.”
Fury has retired from boxing before.
However, he's always been eager to return to the ring because he simply likes fighting way too much to give it up.
Hatton experienced the highs and lows of boxing during his own career in the sport.
One of his worst defeats came to Floyd Mayweather, who powered his way to victory when they met all the way back in December 2007.
And Hatton says the American is easily the most-arrogant opponent he's ever faced.
“Oh yeah, by far [Mayweather is the most arrogant person Hatton has met]," he said.
"Even behind closed doors when the camera is off, he never had the decency to come up to me and go, how are you doing? You okay? All he does is talk about himself.
“Who calls themselves Money Mayweather? Where did he come from, the projects?
"I come from the same thing, a council estate. I speak to kids and say, listen, I come from the same place as you, if I can do it, so can you. Believe in yourself, you can get there.
“What will Floyd do? Go down there and show them his watch, his chain and his ring on his pinky.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk boxing announcement is coming on Thursday
GETTY
"I think the people in the projects would be absolutely disgusted if he turned up.”
Hatton also opened up on Anthony Joshua, who is due to face Otto Wallin in December.
The Briton has been written off as a faded force, having lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk in recent years.
Joshua also slumped to defeat when he went up against Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019.
Yet Hatton doesn't agree with that narrative and thinks the Watford-born star is still capable of competing with the very best.
Ricky Hatton thinks Anthony Joshua can still compete with the very best in boxing
GETTY
“A lot of people have written Joshua off a little bit, and I would say they are doing it at their peril," he explained.
"Take Tyson Fury for example – not many people would have expected him to struggle against Francis Ngannou.
"That might give AJ a little bit of confidence knowing that he could be there to be beaten, if he gets the chance.
“AJ’s got fantastic boxing ability – he’s got the size, the power, the strength.
"He’s got that boxing pedigree, rising all the way from the amateurs and becoming heavyweight champion of the world.”