Former two division world champion Ricky Hatton could see retirement for the loser of the upcoming Anthony Joshua vs. Dillian Whyte rematch.

Joshua and Whyte will collide for a second time on August 12 at the O2 Arena in London.

They first met in December of 2015, with Joshua knocking Whyte out in the seventh round.

There are many observers who view the contest as a do-or-die opportunity for both men.

Joshua saw action in April, with a twelve round unanimous decision over Jermaine Franklin. And Whyte saw action back in November, also against Franklin, with a twelve round majority decision win.

"I think AJ has gone maybe a little bit gun-shy, a bit timid at times, a bit too safety first," Hatton told Metro.co.uk.

"Whyte obviously got beat by Fury, I think they are both at a stage in their careers where the loser might hang their gloves up. But don’t think for one minute Whyte can’t go in there and knock out AJ.

"AJ is an Olympic gold medallist, a two-time world champion having lost and regained the titles. He lost two fights to Usyk which is no shame but at this stage if he goes and loses to Dillian Whyte that could be that. Poor Dillian Whyte was number one contender for forever and a day, he got made to wait and wait then unfortunately got knocked out when his chance did come.

"He was number one contender for years and had to wait so long, [if he loses to Joshua] I think he could say, “I have given my best but I could hang them up now.”’

As far as the outcome, Hatton expects a distance win with Joshua's hand being raised after twelve rounds of action.

"I think AJ will box him well early on and Dillian will put pressure on and try draw him in. The reason we love AJ fights is that he can get drawn in and it makes for a barnstormer," Hatton said.

"It could end the same way. I think AJ wins the early rounds, Dillian will put the pressure on, get in his face and provide some real pressure in the later rounds. But because of the work I can see him [AJ] doing in the early rounds and his massive heart as he has shown throughout his career, I think he holds out for a points win."