Ricky Hatton is backing Anthony Joshua to get revenge over Andy Ruiz in their rematch – if the beaten champion can shake off the mental scars of defeat.
Ruiz shocked the world by stopping Joshua at Madison Square Garden and a host of boxing experts are backing the new champion to successfully defend his title.
Joshua vs Ruiz 2 is expected to happen at the end of the year and Hatton delivered his prediction for the rematch.
‘Sometimes people come back from defeats with a vengeance and some people they never come back the same,’ he told TalkSport.
‘If you have to ask me as an outsider, I’d say he beats Ruiz nine times out of ten, for me.
‘Even though he’s a very, very dangerous fighter and he’s got very, very fast hands and he’s already planted that danger in Anthony’s mind.
‘I think it’s a decision for the people that know Anthony best.
‘I think he’s a better fighter than Ruiz, so I would get straight back in.’
Despite calls from Frank Warren, David Haye and George Foreman to avoid a second fight with Ruiz, Joshua activated the rematch clause within days of his loss.
Eddie Hearn confirmed an announcement was imminent, with Joshua still mulling over whether to stage the rematch back at MSG or return home to London.
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