David Haye believes he would have held his own against Oleksandr Usyk.
Haye and Usyk are part of a three-man club to hold world titles at both cruiserweight and at heavyweight, alongside Evander Holyfield.
Usyk extended his perfect professional record to 24 wins with victory over Daniel Dubois in their rematch last month to reclaim the undisputed heavyweight championship at Wembley Stadium.
The Ukrainian previously achieved the feat when he defeated Tyson Fury last May, in the first of two wins over ‘The Gypsy King’ and he has also beaten Anthony Joshua twice.
After suffering an early career loss to Carl Thompson, Haye went on a run of 15-straight victories before defeat to Wladimir Klitschko and ‘The Hayemaker’ believes he could have overcome Usyk had their paths have crossed, but concedes he would have needed a knockout.
“In my prime I think I beat everyone except Holyfield,” the 44-year-old said on Froch On Fighting.
“He would have smashed me, no doubt.
“Yeah definitely [I give myself a chance against Usyk].
“But I can see a version where he beats me.
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“He out fiddles me with his southpaw [stance].
“He’s super clever.
“I can see a version where I nail him with a right hand.
“If I catch him, I win the fight.
“If I don’t catch him, because he’s too slick, then I’ll probably lose on points.”
Usyk has been ordered to defend his WBO crown against interim titlist, Joseph Parker with the pair given 30 days from July 24 to agree a deal before purse bids are called.
The 38-year-old opened the door to rematches with Fury, Joshua and Derek Chisora after victory over Dubois as well as a meeting with Parker.
“Maybe it’s Tyson Fury,” he said to DAZN.
“Maybe we have three options.
“Derek Chisora and Anthony Joshua.
“Maybe Joseph Parker.”
