IN a new interview with Betting Sites, former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton warned that anyone writing off Anthony Joshua’s chances of reclaiming the heavyweight titles should do so at their peril.

Joshua has faced a barrage of criticism over since his defeats to Andy Ruiz and Oleksandr Usyk but Hatton is adamant that AJ still has the desire and ability to win back the heavyweight titles he lost in 2021;

Hatton said: “A lot of people have written Joshua off a little bit, and I would say they are doing it at their peril. 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. 

He’s got that boxing pedigree, rising all the way from the amateurs and becoming heavyweight champion of the world

Ricky Hatton

“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.”

Joshua will return against Otto Wallin and heavyweight rival Deontay Wilder faces Joseph Parker as the heavyweight rivals appear on the same bill in Saudi Arabia on December 23.

Should both Joshua and Wilder win their respective bouts, the former world champions are expected to fight in 2024.