Former world champion David Haye believes rising British-Nigerian heavyweight Moses Itauma would beat Anthony Joshua if the two fighters ever faced each other in the ring.

Despite the vast gap in experience between the two boxers, Haye backed the 20-year-old Itauma to emerge victorious against the 36-year-old former two-time unified heavyweight champion.

Joshua is a former Olympic gold medallist with 13 world title fights to his name, while Itauma has been a professional for less than three years, boxed 13 times and has yet to challenge for a recognised title. Yet, Itauma is the man many fans and experts believe will one day rule the division.

During an interview with iFL TV, Haye, nicknamed ‘The Hayemaker’, was asked if Itauma would beat Joshua now.

“Yeah (Itauma beats him), I think he beats everybody. The only person I’d say who has the best chance of it is Usyk,” Haye said.

The former world champion, who, like Itauma, once had the boxing world at his feet, knows what it is like to carry that level of expectation. After dominating the cruiserweight division with his knockout power, Haye moved up to heavyweight and captured the WBA title.

Itauma returns on January 24 in Manchester against Jermaine Franklin, the American who went 12 rounds with Joshua three months after Itauma made his professional debut.

As for Joshua, it remains unclear whether his 14-month absence from the ring will end later this year or in early 2026.

A fight between Joshua and Itauma remains unlikely, with Joshua instead recently linked to a shock clash against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

Paul is currently searching for a new opponent after his planned clash against Gervonta Davis was cancelled.