AJ and promoter Eddie Hearn have been locked in frustrating talks with American WBC champ, who has the only belt missing from the Brit’s collection , trying to plan an undisputed decider.
Watford’s WBA, WBO and IBF king has refused to give the 33-year-old the 50-50 split he has demanded and AJ knocked back a £40million April offer to meet in the US.
The impasse allowed Fury, 30, to recover from his mental health problems and leap into a Los Angeles clash with the Bronze Bomber on Dec 1 that ended in a controversial draw.
And Hatton, who was in the Gypsy King’s corner but enjoys a close friendship with Josh, says Fury is the boss after walking the walk while Joshua was too busy talking.
He said: “If Tyson had the WBC title I think most people would still see Anthony as the No1.
“Personally, I see Tyson as No1. He never lost his belts in the ring and he has just boxed Wilder, an unbeaten champion with an unbelievable knockout record and he did it in his backyard.
“In the two years Tyson has battled back to do that fight, Eddie Hearn and Anthony – and I love Anthony by the way – they have been negotiating.
“They spent two years sat around a table haggling over this and that and Tyson has gone and done it.
“People will not share my opinion and I probably am a little bit bias but Tyson, the lineal champion, went over and did that and I think he needs the respect he deserves.
“Joshua’s team have been talking about Joshua vs Wilder for two years now but while they have been talking about it, Tyson has gone and done it.”
Fury’s masterful performance and his super-human strength to climb off the canvas in rounds nine and 12 proved his 2015 win over Wladimir Klitschko was no fluke.
The 30-year-old’s controversial comments, before and after clinching the three major belts AJ now holds, made him an unpopular figure.
But Hatton, who battled depression and addiction like the 6ft 9in ace, wants his incredible comeback story to win people over once and for all.
He said: “Tyson has probably opened his mouth a few too many times over the years, he has probably had a pop at everyone at one time or another.
“But from a boxing point of view he has travelled to fight Klitschko and Wilder on their soil to prove that he walks the walk as well as talks the talk.
“Everything he has said he has backed up.
“In the past you would be forgiven for thinking he was full of rubbish but he speaks the truth, he has proved it. The proof is in the pudding.”
Josh Warrington defends his IBF World Featherweight title against Carl Frampton exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office, Saturday 22 December. Watch for just £19.95, for more info visit www.bt.com/sportboxoffice
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