David Haye
David Haye is eager to fight fellow Brit Anthony Joshua Getty Images

David Haye is desperate to see Anthony Joshua triumph over Charles Martin when the pair fight for the IBF world heavyweight title on 9 April at London's O2 Arena. The former two-weight champion (27-2-0) is eager to see the Olympic gold medal-winning star secure a version of the heavyweight championship before they face each other in the ring.

The London-born puncher is yet to name an opponent for his second bout since returning to the sport earlier this year, but he thinks Joshua is an ideal opponent in his future, even suggesting they could fight later in 2016.

"For me, it's perfect. If Joshua wins this next fight, he's the IBF heavyweight champion of the world and I could be challenging for that. He's got a couple of voluntary defences he can have before November," Haye told Sky Sports.

"I've got a fight coming up and he's got a big fight coming up – if we get through this, it'll be talked about. I'll be rooting for him more than anybody on this planet. I'll be rooting for him even more than [promoter] Eddie Hearn will be rooting for him – believe me!"

Haye, 35, made his return to big-time boxing in January with a first-round knockout of unknown Australian Mark De Mori. But he admits the easy nature of the win was not ideal preparation for his upcoming bout.

"After the fight, I was happy to be back but I would have liked to have got a few more rounds and given a little bit more entertainment to the fans," Haye said.

"I'm trying to find someone who's got a history of being tough and being in exciting fights. For me, that's the key now so we are talking to a few people. Within a week or so, we should have something. We're still over 12 weeks from the fight. I'm happy with where I am. I'm back in training, feeling good and tickets are selling well for 21 May."

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