Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte: Ricky Hatton raises his one concern about the Gypsy King

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By Tom Ward

Published Mar 14, 2022

Tyson Fury should avoid repeating the same tactics he used in his trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder against Dillian Whyte, Ricky Hatton has claimed.

Tyson Fury should avoid repeating the same tactics he used in his trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder against Dillian Whyte, British boxing legend Ricky Hatton believes.

The Gypsy King defends his WBC heavyweight title against the Body Snatcher at Wembley Stadium on April 23.

Fury and Wilder, 33 and 35 respectively, put on a show for the ages in their trilogy fight in Las Vegas last October.

But Hatton - who is a friend of the Furys - has warned his old pal that he cannot afford to fall into the same trap against Whyte - or risk the consequences.

“I think Tyson might have to go back to the old Tyson for fighting Dillian,” Hatton told BT Sport.

“He doesn’t need me to tell him to do that; as far as speed, ability, and movement go, Tyson is head and shoulders above Dillian.

“The only chance Dillian has is if he clocks Tyson, and the more than Tyson stands there and trades like he’s done in his last two fights, the more chances he offers Dillian.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: Tyson Fury looks on during the Tyson Fury v Dillian Whyte press conference at Wembley Stadium on March 01, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)

“Dillian will hit you and lay you out. I think if Dillian hits Tyson, I just wonder how often my old mate can keep getting up off his a*** from these heavy, heavy knockdowns.

“I think one time, he looked like he was out.

"So, he’s got to be a little bit more sensible in this next fight, and choose his moments, especially early.

"Pick him off early but box him, take the sting out of him first, and then put his foot down the home straight.”

Fury's best strategy, Hatton believes, would be to stay on the outside and box on the back foot.

He added: “I think that he has to be a little bit more cautious and show Dillian the respect that he deserves because he can hit, man. He’s got a good camp and excellent people advising him.

“I’m not saying he should go and run a mile to get away from Dillian because Tyson has proved that he can have it out with people. But I just think he gives up all his advantages if he goes toe-to-toe with Dillian.

“I think Dillian likes a toe-to-toe, and he likes a slugfest. Tyson has so many more, no disrespect to Dillian, but he has so many more attributes in his hand. He’s got height, reach, he can go southpaw, he can go orthodox, he can stand back and box and move and use his defence and sit on the ropes."