British boxing great: Joseph Parker impressive but will struggle against Tyson's confidence

Hughie Fury celebrates victory over Fred Kassi last year. Photo / Getty

British boxing great Ricky Hatton says hometown advantage will count for little, when Jospeh Parker defends his WBO heavyweight title against Hughie Fury in Auckland.

Hatton has plenty of respect for Aucklander Parker, to the point that he rates him above WBC champion Deontay Wilder, the American knockout specialist.

However, Hatton believes Fury's confidence will be hard for Parker to deal with on May 6.

Hatton, a light welterweight superstar, described Parker as "very very quick, very fast [although] not the most powerhouse of fighters.

"But having said that, I don't think Hughie is a powerhouse as such, so that might work in Joe's favour. It is very hard to beat a man with the belief that the Furys have. I think that is what Joe will be probably up against."

He said Fury was young and ambitious.

"He's unbeaten and he comes from a camp that is full of confidence," said Hatton.

"We never thought [Hughie's cousin] Tyson was ever going to beat Wladimir Klitschko, so when [father/trainer] Peter Fury says he believes Hughie is going to do it, we have to take him seriously, because of what Tyson did against Klitschko.

"It may be the right fight at the right time. Hughie is full of confidence, he's a confidence character.

"One thing with the Furys, they don't fear anyone. They're not bothered where they travel, they go and do it. I think that will stand Hughie in good stead."