Dillian Whyte must go for the knockout if he is to have any hope of defeating Tyson Fury, according to Ricky Hatton.
The retired British boxer believes the heavyweight title showdown on April 23 at Wembley could end with a bang, as there will be “no point” in underdog Whyte seeking a judges decision in his favour.
“I think he has to go for the knockout,” Hatton told talkSPORT.
“Let’s have it right, he’s not going to outbox Tyson Fury, he’s not going to outspeed Tyson Fury.
“Tyson, for a giant, 6ft 10in, is so versatile. He showed in his last fight and previous fights, that he can stand close and mix it up. He can box southpaw, he can box orthodox, he can box from a distance, he’s great defensively.
“So, there’s no point in Dillian going out there thinking he can outbox Tyson because he can’t. He’s got to go for the knockout and try and get that big one in. Tyson’s been on his backside a few times. Dillian will know he’s capable of landing that and beating Tyson.”
Fury will likewise attempt a big finish later this month with trainer SugarHill Steward revealing that he is preparing the defending champion to land a knockout blow.
“We’re looking for a big, exciting bang,” said Steward. “After that - I don’t know anything else [but to go for a knockout]. It’s difficult for me to train anyone to go for a decision, I just don’t really believe in that myself.
“If you have the opportunity to train for a knockout, why would I sell myself short? I feel like if I train a fighter to go for the knockout, if he doesn’t get the knockout, then if they come up short with the knockout at least they put in enough effort to win that fight.”
