The 35 year-old, who returned last month from a lengthy spell to claim a place in the WBA rankings, is scheduled to fight on May 21 in what could push Haye just one step away from a crack at a recognised championship.
Should Joshua eventually land the Martin fight, Haye has backed the Olympic gold medallist for victory, and then hopes the two can put their respective belts on the line against each other next year.
“It’s great news about Anthony Joshua fighting Charles Martin for IBF World Title. I just watched Martin and I predict AJ by early KO,” said Haye.
“(My) Crystal Ball tells me that myself and Joshua will clash in a unification bout in 2017. Massive nights of boxing in the UK over the next two years!”
Handing praise to Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn, Haye added: “You have to admit that once AJ wins IBF title, Eddie Hearn should be truly commended for the perfect guidance of AJ’s career. Credit where credits due.”
Talks are currently ongoing for Joshua, 26, to secure a world title shot following just 15 bouts as a professional, whilst 29 year-old Martin would be making his first defence of Tyson Fury’s old belt.
