David Haye Predicts Rising Star Moses Itauma Could Beat Anthony Joshua

Former world champion David Haye has expressed confidence that rising British-Nigerian heavyweight Moses Itauma would defeat Anthony Joshua if the two ever faced off.

Despite a significant gap in experience, Haye believes the 20-year-old Itauma has what it takes to overcome the 36-year-old former two-time unified heavyweight champion. Joshua, an Olympic gold medallist, has participated in 13 world title fights, while Itauma has been a professional for less than three years, with 13 bouts under his belt and no major title challenges yet. Nevertheless, many fans and experts see Itauma as a future dominant force in the division.

Speaking to iFL TV, Haye, also known as ‘The Hayemaker,’ was asked if Itauma could beat Joshua now. He replied, “Yeah, I think he beats everybody. The only person I’d say who has the best chance of it is Usyk.”

Haye, who himself once held the boxing world in his hands, understands the pressure of high expectations. After dominating the cruiserweight division with his knockout power, he moved up to heavyweight and captured the WBA title.

Itauma is set to return to the ring on January 24 in Manchester against Jermaine Franklin, who went 12 rounds with Joshua just three months after Itauma made his professional debut. Joshua, meanwhile, remains on a 14-month hiatus, with no clear return date set for late 2025 or early 2026.

A Joshua vs. Itauma bout currently seems unlikely, with Joshua recently linked to a potential fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, who is searching for a new opponent after his planned clash with Gervonta Davis was canceled.