Hatton: I see Tyson as a favorite, but not as big as I thought before

Former two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton commented on the upcoming fight for the title of absolute world heavyweight champion between the holder of the WBA/WBO/IBF/IBO belts Alexander Usik and WBC champion Tyson Fury.

“I see Tyson as a favorite, but not as big as I thought before. I’m on Team Fury, I support all Furies. I’m very close to their family.”

“I think that Tyson did not approach the fight with Francis Ngannou in the best condition. Fury was heavier than usual and Francis was better than we all thought. I was in Saudi Arabia, it was a great event. All the champions gathered there, Eminem sang. Because Ngannou was fighting for the first time, Fury lost his focus a little and underestimated him.”

“You see the shape Tyson is in now. He is slim and fit, as he should be. I think this is the best thing that could happen to him before the fight against Usyk. Fury will be starting with a clean slate and he knows he has to be on fire. I think he will.”

The unification fight between Usik and Fury was first scheduled for February 17, but due to Tyson’s injury it was postponed to May 18. The event will be hosted by Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The WBC proposes to reform the judges for the reporting fight, increasing their number to 5-6 people. Penalties for boxers who refuse to fight are $10 million.

WBC President Mauricio Suleiman announced that an agreement had been concluded between the boxers for a re-fight. The WBO is also ready to sanction the second fight. It was reported that the fate of a possible rematch depends on the holding of the first fight. Fury said that the contract has a mandatory rematch clause, and a re-fight with Usyk could take place in October.