Former heavyweight champion David Haye has urged Moses Itauma to face Andy Ruiz Jr. as he returns to the ring after his first professional loss. Haye believes the young heavyweight needs a tough opponent who will test his abilities and how he handles pressure.

The 21-year-old British heavyweight lost to Filip Hrgovic in August while fighting for the vacant IBF heavyweight title at London’s O2 Arena. Itauma had won his first 14 professional fights, including 12 by knockout, before Hrgovic stopped him in the ninth round.

His promoter, Frank Warren, has said Itauma is expected to return in early 2027 against a recognized opponent. Haye believes Ruiz could provide the kind of test Itauma needs to improve.

David Haye Wants Moses Itauma to Fight Andy Ruiz Jr.

Speaking to Tris Dixon, Haye named Ruiz as the opponent he wants Itauma to face next. The former two-division world champion believes the British prospect needs to fight someone who has competed at the highest level.

“He needs somebody like Andy Ruiz Jr. That’s the type of fighter he needs – someone who’s the real deal; someone who has been heavyweight champion; someone who’s hungry; someone who’s always in good fights; someone who’s going to bring the pressure, the high volume, who’s going to force Moses to be uncomfortable, who isn’t going to get knocked out with one punch,” Haye said.

“That’s the type of fighter he needs to grow. He needs the fear factor.”

Ruiz became heavyweight world champion in 2019 after stopping Anthony Joshua. He later lost the rematch with Joshua and has remained a recognized name in the heavyweight division.

Ruiz most recently lost a unanimous decision to Damian Knyba, according to the supplied report. Haye believes Ruiz’s experience, punch volume, and ability to handle pressure will make Itauma’s job difficult.

Moses Itauma Needs to Respond After Filip Hrgovic Defeat

Itauma suffered his first professional loss against Hrgovic in August while competing for the vacant IBF heavyweight title. He entered the fight with a 14-0 record and 12 knockouts, after defeating Dillian Whyte and Jermaine Franklin.

Itauma made a strong start against Hrgovic and scored a knockdown. However, Hrgovic recovered as the fight went on and stopped the British boxer in the ninth round to claim the vacant title.

The defeat ended Itauma’s unbeaten run and raised questions about how he would respond after facing sustained pressure from an experienced heavyweight.

Haye has pointed to his own career as an example of how a setback does not have to define a boxer. He suffered a stoppage loss to Carl Thompson in 2004 before later becoming a unified cruiserweight champion and winning a heavyweight world title.

Haye believes Itauma should use his defeat as a chance to develop rather than avoid difficult opponents.

Frank Warren Plans Moses Itauma’s Boxing Comeback in 2027

Itauma’s promoter, Frank Warren, has said the heavyweight is expected to return in the first quarter of 2027, with January viewed as a possible date. Warren wants Itauma to face a recognized opponent as he works toward another world-title opportunity.

Hrgovic, meanwhile, is expected to defend the IBF heavyweight title against mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez early next year, according to the supplied report.

A fight with Ruiz would give Itauma the chance to face a former world champion with experience against top heavyweights. However, no agreement has been confirmed, and Warren has yet to announce Itauma’s next opponent.

Haye’s recommendation puts Ruiz forward as a possible choice for the comeback fight. He believes Itauma needs an opponent who will push him beyond his comfort zone and help him address the problems exposed in the Hrgovic bout.

Itauma said he remains confident he’ll earn another world-title opportunity in 2027. His next fight will be an important step as he looks to return from his first professional defeat.