Ricky Hatton has warned Tommy Fury that he could face some difficult moments early in his fight against KSI on Saturday night but is backing the former Love Island star to come out on top. And the Hitman believes that Fury could make the transition to full-on professional boxing if he chooses to go down a more conventional path.
Youtuber KSI and Fury are part of a double headline bill at Manchester’s AO Arena that will also see Logan Paul take on Dillon Danis.
The popularity of celebrity and crossover boxing has driven huge money into the sport. Hatton understands why fighters like Fury would tread a path in the fast-growing industry.
Speaking to Mighty Tips, Hatton said: “I don’t blame him [Fury] for going down this route. I think these fights and boxing can both exist within the entertainment business. I was the one who advised Tommy to go on Love Island because theres more opportunities and door openings if he goes into that and that’s what’s put him in the pipeline for big fights against the likes of Jake Paul.
“As long as we acknowledge it is what is it, if Tommy wants to make a genuine move to become a boxer and not a celebrity fighter and fight a top 10 ranked British fighter [we will see].
“I think he’ll want to have a proper go at the boxing side of it – he’s only young and has no miles on the clock. While the opportunities are there, fill your boots.”
Both KSI and Fury are currently undefeated in professional boxing but it is the latter who comes into the fight with the greater pedigree having won all nine of his fights so far. That included a split decision victory over Jake Paul in February.
KSI – real name Olajide William Olatunji – has only one professional fight to his name, a split decision victory over Logan Paul four years ago, and Hatton believes that will give Fury the edge on Saturday.
“Absolutely [Fury is favourite],” Hatton said. “At the end of the day, Tommy is the professional boxer and KSI and Jake Paul are YouTubers. I certainly expect Tommy to win.
“I trained with Tommy for a fair bit and he’s very talented, very good. I watched a bit of footage of KSI and it’s the first time I had seen him. He’s a little bit all over the show and that could cause Tommy a few problems but I can’t honestly see anything over than a Tommy Fury win and coming through.
“He’s got very good boxing skills and KSI might cause a headache over the first couple of rounds but ultimately when it comes to boxing skills Tommy has got the better ability.”
Hatton added: “Once Tommy gets the measure of him – he’s got a good boxing brain, good ability and I think KSI will cause him a few problems in the early rounds but once Tommy gets to grips I think he’ll handle him.
“But there may be some hairy scary moments in the early rounds as KSI is a little bit ragged and unconventional. Tommy will be fine.”
