Ricky Hatton has revealed the part in played in Tommy Fury's Love Island appearance that helped to establish him as a household name.
The 22-year-old boxer appeared in the fifth series of the ITV show in 2019, finishing runner-up and meeting his long-term partner Molly-Mae Hague.
Since then, Fury has climbed the ranks as a fighter and is now poised for a huge clash against Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul later this year.
Hatton has issued his prediction for that bout, set to take place in Miami on December 18, and explained his role in the Love Island decision.
"I’m made up for him. When the Love Island offer came up, I said to him and his dad that he needs to go on," he told the Mail.
"My job as a trainer and a friend isn’t just to get the fights for you, but it’s to make sure you’ve got enough pennies in the bank.
"I told Tommy that I thought he could make more going on Love Island. He’s gone on Love Island, made himself a big name and had a few fights here and there and now he’s got Jake Paul. I’m absolutely delighted for him. He’s made a load of money, so yeah go for it.
"Tommy’s got a lot of ability, I’ve trained him. But being a world champion and beating Jake Paul are two different things.
"I think he beats Jake Paul, and if he does and he becomes a big name, then he can start to be more ambitious and go for a world title.
"If he beats him – or if he doesn’t even beat him – I’ll be made up for him, for the life he’s made himself."
