According to David Haye, a former world heavyweight champion, the time has come for Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to finally agree to a highly anticipated showdown. As a two-weight world titleholder who preceded Joshua and Fury as the star of British heavyweight boxing, Haye believes that this fight is crucial for both boxers' legacies. Haye expressed to Sky Sports, 'This is the biggest fight they could possibly have, and they should be pushing for it.' He emphasized that both fighters need this bout to cement their places in history, stating, 'They both need each other, for different reasons, to prove they were the best of their era.' With both Fury and Joshua having lost their titles to Oleksandr Usyk, and Fury recently returning from a year-long hiatus while Joshua recovers from a car accident, talks are underway for a potential fight this year. Although Haye acknowledges that both boxers are past their prime, he suggests that their commercial peak may have arrived, allowing them to earn more than they would have in their prime.
Fury's recent 12-round bout with Arslanbek Makhmudov could serve as ideal preparation for a fight against Joshua, with Haye noting that Makhmudov's size, strength, and fighting style make him a suitable opponent to face before taking on Joshua.