After suffering consecutive defeats to Alexander Usyk, Ricky Hatton feels Anthony Joshua has changed significantly. He anticipates an all-out “war” between AJ and Daniel Dubois this weekend. This weekend at Wembley stadium, Joshua and Dynamite Dubois will square off in front of an unprecedented 96,000 spectators as part of the first-ever Riyadh Season card in the United Kingdom.

A win over Daniel Dubois on Saturday night will place AJ in the elite company of three-time heavyweight world champions, joining the likes of Lennox Lewis and Muhammad Ali.

Ricky Hatton believes Anthony Joshua (left) has undergone a significant transformation ahead of his heavyweight title fight against British rival Daniel Dubois (right) this weekend

A victory could also position Joshua for a shot at the undisputed heavyweight crown, setting up a potential blockbuster clash against the winner of the highly anticipated Usyk vs Tyson Fury rematch in December.

Reflecting on Joshua’s recent progress, Hatton pointed to the former unified champion’s newfound contentment as the key to his resurgence and credited Joshua’s current trainer, Ben Davison, for playing a crucial role in his rejuvenation.

Hatton insisted that Joshua has developed significantly since his defeats to Oleksandr Usyk

Speaking to via Prime Casino, Hatton said: ‘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.’

Hatton went on to add: ‘Joshua is in a happy camp. You have to say that he looks like he’s really enjoying working with Ben Davison, and I can only say good things about Ben.’

The former two-weight world champion, who worked closely with Davison when he trained Tyson Fury at Hatton’s gym, went on to speak about the trainer’s impact ahead of Joshua’s knockout win over Francis Ngannou earlier this year.

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

Hatton thinks that Joshua’s confidence has been restored by his success. He’s regaining his swagger. He has regained his fighter’s confidence. That eases your tension. I see a composed man when I see Joshua in the ring. That wasn’t visible to me when he faced Usyk.

Hatton anticipates a close battle in the forthcoming matchup with Dubois. He emphasized that because both fighters are naturally hostile, an offensive strategy could result in a bloody confrontation.

‘Unless it’s a one-round or two-round blowout, I can’t see how it cannot be a war since, for both fighters, their best defence is their assault,’ he stated via Prime Casino.

Hatton acknowledged the power both heavyweights bring to the ring, admitting that a short fight was possible. ‘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.’ However, if the fight extends beyond the early rounds, Hatton believes it could turn into a memorable slugfest. ‘If it isn’t a one or two round blowout, I think it’s got to be a belter.’

Looking ahead to the upcoming fight against Dubois, Hatton is expecting a close contest

Hatton said: ‘You have to say that he looks like he’s really enjoying working with Ben Davison (pictured), and I can only say good things about Ben’

The previous world champion at two weights continued to discuss the trainer’s influence before to Joshua’s (on-the-floor) knockout victory over Francis Ngannou earlier this year.

In terms of a prediction, Hatton believes that Joshua has a little advantage against the younger, more potent Dubois because of his improved boxing abilities and rhythm. “AJ,” in my opinion, simply because I feel like he has a little bit more looseness and rhythm to him. He is the marginally superior boxer. But hear me out: sluggers have occasionally defeated superior boxers.

Nevertheless, Hatton anticipates a very narrow result. I predict that the battle will be an extremely close slugfest. Perhaps indicates a direction in an all-out conflict.

Hatton expressed his faith in Joshua’s group despite his admiration for Dubois, saying, “AJ has a good team behind him, with Ben in his corner.” I would be putting it on AJ if I had to put my last pound on it.