Ricky Hatton believes Anthony Joshua has helped propel British boxing into a "really good place" but is tipping rival Tyson Fury "to shock the world" if the two were to meet in the ring.
Hatton, a former two-weight world champion, has moved into coaching since retiring in 2012 and has welcomed Fury to his own gym in recent months as the heavyweight aims to get back into title contention after a long layoff.
And while Hatton is full of confidence for his friend Fury, the Manchester boxer has also praised Joshua's rise to the top and is keen to see the two fight in the not-so-distant future.
"I think he's [Joshua] a credit to our sport," Hatton exclusively told ESPN. "He's a role model to our youngsters, says the right things and he has done the country proud.
"That fight against Klitschko, you won't get many heavyweights going for gold like those two and with the fan base at Wembley -- Anthony deserves all the success he gets.
"Having a heavyweight champion of the world and a guy such as Anthony Joshua and the manner of how he conducts himself can only be good for our sport because all the kids want to be in the gym. They all want to be Anthony Joshua now so I think British boxing is in a really good place."
Not only has Fury been attracting headlines for his recent return to training, but he has also been gaining attention for his current fitness condition -- which Hatton amusingly revealed on social media last month.
My & my mate @Tyson_Fury @HattonGym today. Both in the shape of our lives. Bring it on.🥊 pic.twitter.com/GGuTRvjLMc
— Ricky Hatton MBE (@HitmanHatton) November 23, 2017
Despite Fury looking out of shape, Hatton was quick to insist that it won't restrict the former World Champion by the time he gets back in the ring to potentially face Joshua.
"Tyson's been in the gym the last couple of weeks and it's nice to see knowing that he's had his problems that he's back getting fit and he's getting healthy now. He's looking really good.
"We put a picture on the internet not so long back. Don't let that picture fool you, that's just a little beer gut. If you see his punches and moving it's absolutely first class, he's been in sparring, it's been a real joy to see. I think hes going to shock the world I really do.
"Let's have it right, I mean, Tyson is my friend and I think Tyson can come back and if he gets in shape I would love him to fight Anthony because I think he might just... Styles make fights and with the added weight it might help him because he [already] has a speed advantage and movement advantage and with the added weight he might hit that little bit harder."
Fury still has his UKAD hearing to complete which is set to get back underway on Dec. 11 before any talk of a potential fight with WBA and IBF belt holder Joshua can properly materialise.
However, the match-up between the two Brits is gathering momentum and -- for the first time -- is looking like it could happen in the near future.