Ricky Hatton believes Anthony Joshua has undergone a significant transformation since his back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk and expects an all-out ‘war’ between AJ and Daniel Dubois this weekend.

Joshua and Dynamite Dubois will go toe-to-toe at Wembley stadium this weekend in front of a record-breaking 96,000 fans as part of the first Riyadh Season card to be held in the UK.

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.

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.

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

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

Speaking to Mail Sport via Prime Casino, Hatton said: ‘I think the main thing is he’s happy’

Speaking to Mail Sport 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 believes that success has helped rebuild Joshua’s confidence. ‘He’s got the swagger back. He’s found his confidence again as a fighter. That helps you relax. When I see Joshua in the ring, I see a calm man. I didn’t see that when he fought Usyk.’

Looking ahead to the upcoming fight against Dubois, Hatton is expecting a close contest. He emphasised that both fighters are aggressive by nature, and that their offensive approach could lead to a brutal encounter.

He told Mail Sport, via Prime Casino: ‘Unless it’s a one-round or two-round blowout, I can’t see how it cannot be a war because, for both fighters, their best defence is their offence.’

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 former two-weight world champion went on to speak about the trainer’s impact ahead of Joshua’s knockout win over Francis Ngannou (on floor) earlier this year

In terms of a prediction, Hatton sees Joshua’s refined boxing s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and rhythm giving him a slight edge over the younger, powerful Dubois. ‘I would say AJ, just because I think he’s got a little bit more rhythm, a little bit more looseness to him. He’s the slightly better boxer. But listen, better boxers have been beaten by sluggers sometimes.’

Still, Hatton expects the outcome to be razor-thin. ‘I think it’s going to be a real, real close slugfest of a fight. Maybe points one way or the other in an absolute war.’

Despite his respect for Dubois, Hatton revealed his confidence in Joshua’s team, adding, ‘AJ has got a good team behind him, with Ben in his corner. If I had to put my last pound on it, then I would be putting it on AJ.’