David Haye believes that Anthony Joshua will be victorious when the Watford man eventually takes on Tyson Fury. Talks between the pair regarding a huge summer showdown are still ongoing with details relating to the date and venue still unconfirmed, but Haye is backing Joshua to get the job done once the fight is finalised.
Haye, a fighter who knows the heavyweight division well from his time there as WBA champion, told Sky Sports, "Joshua will win the fight.”
"His loss against Andy Ruiz Jr taught him a valuable lesson about complacency and believing your own hype.
"I think Fury is flying so high after his victory in Las Vegas [over Deontay Wilder] and believes he is unbeatable. For good reason - if I were him, I'd think so too. Joshua has tasted defeat and will have a different mindset.”
With all four world titles seemingly set to be on the line if a date can be fixed for either June or July, the victor in this eagerly anticipated battle will be recognised as the world’s finest heavyweight with their legacy massively enhanced. Haye believes Joshua has improved hugely from the Ruiz setback and he can make further adjustments for a fight with Fury.
"He is so athletically gifted, an Olympic gold medallist who has had so many world title fights, he is newer to the game and is still learning. "I think that Fury believes he is the finished article. Whereas Joshua doesn't - he is learning. Fury has been celebrating for a long time.
"This isn't a bodybuilding competition but I like the mindset and discipline of Joshua. In the long term of a physical game like boxing, the dedication and nutrition of Joshua [will come out on top]. He is an underdog but I like the underdog.”