Ricky Hatton makes feelings clear on Anthony Joshua ahead of blockbuster Daniel Dubois boxing fight

Joshua was blasted by critics and written off after losing to Oleksandr Usyk for a second time in 2022.

With four victories on the spin, however, he's turned things around to establish himself as one of the best heavyweights in the division once again.

Hatton, speaking to Prime Casino, has lavished praise on Joshua.

He feels he's capable of beating Dubois, while also dubbing the 24-year-old the 'slightly better boxer' as the showdown rapidly approaches.

"The one who comes out on top might be the one that shows that little bit more heart, to be honest with you," he said.

"I would say AJ, just because I think he's got a little bit more rhythm, a little bit more looseness to him. He's the slightly better boxer.

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"But listen, better boxers have been beaten by sluggers sometimes.

"AJ has got a good team behind him, with Ben in his corner. If I had to put my last pound on it, then I would be putting it on AJ."

Hatton then said that Joshua's improvement has been down to the presence of Ben Davison, who started coaching the Watford-born star last year.

"I think the main thing is he's happy. That is the main reason why we’re seeing an Anthony Joshua that is enjoying his boxing again and looking very impressive while he’s doing it," he continued.

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"He's in a happy camp. You have to say that he looks like he’s enjoying working with Ben Davison, and I can only say good things about Ben.

"I know his dedication to his work as a trainer and saw it first hand when he was working with Tyson [Fury] in my gym.

"I can remember watching Joshua and Davison warming up in the training room before the Francis Ngannou fight, working on combinations on the pads. That was the exact right hand that he finished the fight with they were practicing. It worked in the ring.

"Those moments are massive for a fighter. He has the confidence to listen to his corner, which is massive when you’re switching camps and trainers as a fighter.

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"Training can be brilliant, but you need something like that to build the trust quickly.

"AJ’s got his swagger back, this is the best we’ve seen him: He’s got the swagger back. He’s found his confidence again as a fighter.

"That helps you relax. When I see Joshua in the ring, I see a calm man. I didn’t see that when he fought Usyk. He’s an exceptional boxer.

"This is the best we’ve seen him performing in a long time.

Hatton also thinks there will be a 'war' at Wembley for fans to savour.

"Unless it's a one-round or two-round blowout, I can't see how it cannot be a war because, for both fighters, their best defence is their offence," he added.

"I'd be gutted if after 30 seconds one of them landed a massive shot and it was over. It wouldn't surprise me if that did happen because both AJ and Dubois can hit.

"If it isn't a one or two round blowout, I think it's got to be a belter. I think he's going to be a real, real close slugfest of a fight. Maybe points one way or the other in an absolute war."