Wednesday 25 October 2017 06:03, UK
Carl Froch has no doubt that Anthony Joshua will remain unbeaten by seeing off Carlos Takam but is expecting it to be explosive, no matter how short it lasts...
As soon as Takam starts throwing big shots, Joshua will do exactly the same. It could be over 20 or 30 seconds after that, but they will be explosive. Joshua will meet any fire with fire that comes his way.
I thoroughly expect Anthony Joshua to do the job against Carlos Takam and do it in his usual spectacular way.
If I am honest, the outcome is a formality and he will win, but it is how he is going to win that is just as important.
Yes, Josh could outbox and outclass Takam and get some rounds in the bank, part of his learning curve, but I can't see that happening, for two reasons.
The first reason is Joshua likes to entertain. He wants to impress the 80,000 fans at the Principality Stadium or watching from home and he wants to fight.
The second reason is Takam himself. If I am honest, I am actually looking forward to seeing him fight 'Josh', rather than Kubrat Pulev. Not because he will cause him more problems or is better, but because he will give this a real go. And Joshua will do the same.
Takam knows this is his one big chance, his golden opportunity, so he is going to give it his all. I don't think for a moment he will go through the motions. Takam throws big hooks, he has 27 knockouts with a 69 per cent ratio, and that short-notice [of the call-up] should show his mentality and he should give it everything.
He is the IBF mandatory now and he will not get another chance. He has nothing to lose and the good thing is, as soon as he starts throwing big shots, Joshua will do exactly the same. It could be over 20 or 30 seconds after that, but they will be explosive. Joshua will meet any fire with fire that comes his way.
Joshua has looked vulnerable when he's been caught by Dillian Whyte and Wladimir Klitschko and there is every chance that he boxes smart, uses his height and reach, strength and size and just outclasses him.
Yes, Rob McCracken will be trying to pull on his reigns and tell him to take it slowly, stay calm and do the job, but there will be a moment when Joshua has Takam swinging big shots at him, he is just going to fight back. That is what Joshua does.
That is what he will do and do it in his usual style. He is still learning and even he admits that, and the late change is one of those things we all have to deal with. It's another box ticked, as long as he remains the consummate professional.
It might just be another day at the office for 'Josh' but it is the sort of day we all want to watch and be part of.
