Ricky Hatton has revealed he messaged Tyson Fury to tell him 'commiserations' after the boxing star lost to Oleksandr Usyk last month.
The British heavyweight had gone into the showdown hoping to get revenge on his Ukrainian rival, who had previously defeated Fury in May.
But that didn't happen, with Fury losing via unanimous decision despite an improve showing in the Middle East.
Hatton is close to the Gypsy King and he's now revealed that they're yet to speak since the match, while also explaining he did message the 36-year-old to say 'commiserations'.
Boxing news: Ricky Hatton thinks Tyson Fury will be 'hurt' by his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk
PA
"No, I haven’t spoken to him since the defeat," he told Vegas Insider. "I have called him beforehand and messaged him to say good luck and then commiserations after.
"I think he would’ve been disappointed because I know how much his unbeaten record meant to him and the fact, that he has now lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk will have hurt him.
"I’ve left him to it, but Tyson knows I’m behind him and have always been Team Tyson and very proud of him.
JUST IN: Ronnie O'Sullivan makes heart-breaking statement over snooker career after admitting drugs 'regret'
"When you see what Tyson has done when he was going through those bad times with his weight, addiction, and drugs and I’ve been there myself and know how hard it is to come through, we didn’t think Tyson would fight again.
"Look at what he has done never mind being beaten by Usyk, what he has done is absolutely astonishing.
"I’m very proud of him. He needs to fight AJ, you don’t want to be sat on your sofa in 20 years saying ‘what would’ve happened if I had boxed him?’
READ MORE: Ricky Hatton calls for boxing authorities to intervene as Tyson Fury next fight rumours heat up
"Get in there and get it done lads and then put your feet up and enjoy what you have worked so hard for."
Fans from all over the world have long hoped to see Fury and Anthony Joshua face each other.
It is possible they will get their wish this year, with Eddie Hearn still very keen to make the bout happen.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Boxing news: Ricky Hatton has revealed he messaged Tyson Fury to tell him 'commiserations' after the star lost to Oleksandr Usyk last month
PA
Hatton believes a clash between the two is too close to call, while the former boxing star expressed a belief that Joshua took Daniel Dubois 'too lightly' during his defeat in September.
"It’s a tough one," he said.
"I think it’s 50/50, I wouldn’t say either would be the favourite. AJ, the way he was in the corner even before he was knocked out, was a little bit casual, and I think he took Daniel Dubois lightly.
Boxing news: Tyson Fury has kept a low profile since his loss to Oleksandr Usyk at the Kingdom Arena
PA
"He was that convinced before the fight, going into the fight, and even during the fight.
"He’s very laid back so maybe I am giving him a bit of a disservice, but he did look like he thought he was the better man and just needed to turn up to beat Daniel.
"Whereas with Daniel’s mentality, when he was walking into the ring, I thought this fella is going to take some stopping. You could tell by the way he was talking to himself and walking into the ring with the look in his eyes. In the ring walk and during the fight as well as in the fight, he was just a little casual, I know he is a laid-back type but I think he took the eye off the ball with Daniel and you can’t do something like that with Daniel."
