Haye Sees Joshua as Future Threat To Klitschko's Throne

By Rick Reeno

Former two division world champion David Haye is very impressed by his countryman, 2012 Olympic gold medal winner Anthony Joshua.

Since turning pro last October, the talented heavyweight has battered every opponent in three rounds or less. He returns in his ninth pro fight on October 11th at the O2 Arena in London, where he faces the far more experienced Denis Bakhtov (38-9, 25KOs) for the vacant WBC International heavyweight title.

WBO/IBO/WBA/IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko will be turning 39-years-old in March. He openly admits that his career is in the final stage.

A few young heavyweights are coming up in the ranks, like Bermane Stiverne, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, Luis Ortiz and Bryant Jennings. But Haye believes, with confidence, that Joshua has all of the makings of a fighter who is capable of taking over the heavyweight division.

"I think Anthony Joshua [is the guy out there to take over after Klitschko]. He's one for the future, 100 percent. He's an Olympic gold medalist, you can't question that. He's a freak at 6'6 or 6'7. A big guy, lean, healthy, athletic. He could have did any sport he chose. He's unbeaten, 100 percent knockout ratio. I think he's one for the future," Haye told BoxingScene.com.

"Give Anthony two and a half years [to be ready for Klitschko]. Klitschko has most of the titles and the guys he's fighting are not going to trouble him at this particular stage. He hasn't shown signs of wear and tear or deterioration. He just pulled out of a fight with an injury, which might be the first time. If Klitschko stays unbeaten for the next three years, let's say, I think [Joshua has] got a chance [when they fight]."