Haye knows a thing or two about success in the ring. He unified the cruiserweight division by beating Jean-Marc Mormeck and Enzo Maccarinelli. Then he moved up to heavyweight and grabbed the WBA belt from Nikolai Valuev in 2009. His run at the top ended with a loss to Wladimir Klitschko in a unification bout in 2011. Haye retired after losing twice to Tony Bellew.
Now, Haye's eye for talent has landed on Itauma. In an interview with TNT Sports Boxing, Haye couldn't contain his excitement about the young fighter:
"I saw a future world champion. I saw someone who showed all the attributes you need. 19, to be in the position you are physically, skills, not taking any unnecessary shots, punching power is there. That's what you want to see in a future champ."
Itauma's reaction to Haye's words showed his respect for the boxing legend:
"Do you know what, I was saying earlier, you are one of my favourite cruiserweight's ever to live. Him saying it now, I'm over the moon. Any praise that I get from people that's paved the way for me, I appreciate it, I take it and I always listen."
The young heavyweight has set his sights on becoming the youngest-ever world heavyweight champion. He's off to a strong start with 10 fights under his belt, including 8 knockout wins. His latest victory came in July when he stopped Mariusz Wach.
Itauma's power and composure in the ring have caught the eye of more than just Haye. Tyson Fury, who has sparred with Itauma, has also sung his praises. With endorsements from two of Britain's recent heavyweight stars, Itauma's future in the division looks bright.