Ricky Hatton backs Tyson Fury to take on undefeated Anthony Joshua

Ricky Hatton believes Tyson Fury would prove to be a worthy potential opponent for current IBF, WBA, and IBO title holder Anthony Joshua.

Fury has been out of action since November 2015 when he became world champion by defeating Wladimir Klitschko on points.

The 29-year-old told talkSPORT about his plans to face the undefeated Joshua ahead of a proposed return to the ring following a two-year absence.

And Hatton has backed his friend to back up his talk should he regain the boxing licence that was taken away from him in June 2016.

“He’s lost three stone and he wouldn’t be the first one to admit he wants to lose another four,” Hatton told the Hawksbee and Jacobs show.

“But the main thing is that he’s setting his stall out. Tyson has had a few issues along the way. He’s been in my gym a lot the last few weeks and he’s looking really, really happy.

“It looks like he’s got his mojo back and he wants to train - and wants to get fit –and it would be nice to see as a fellow Mancunian.

“We had a heavyweight champion of the world in Manchester that we could be really proud of.

“He’s had his problems but let’s give him a fair crack of the whip and give him a go at putting his life back together.

“He’s doing that slowly but surely, and it’s brilliant to see him in that way.”

Hatton has been helping Fury build-up his fitness by inviting him to train at his personal boxing gym in Manchester.

And despite sharing a comical picture on social media of himself and Fury shirtless with the quote of being in the ‘shape of our lives,’ Hatton has been encouraged by Fury’s performances in the ring.

“He’s sparring. He actually sparred eight rounds in the gym the other day,” Hatton added.

“His hands are really fast - and that’s carrying a load of excess [weight].

“Once he sheds that weight along with his movement, if he fought Anthony Joshua he would definitely have an advantage in the speed and movement.

“And with a little bit of extra weight on him he would definitely have a good chance.”