Joshua vs Takam: Anthony Joshua vows 'knockouts and a bit of blood, and a bit of respect'
Thursday 26 October 2017 06:10, UK
Anthony Joshua has vowed to change "nothing" from the exciting style he used to beat Wladimir Klitschko.
IBF and WBA 'super' heavyweight champion Joshua has no intention of taking a safer approach against this weekend's challenger Carlos Takam, after climbing off the canvas at Wembley to stop Klitschko.
Asked what he might alter after his most famous win, Joshua told Sky Sports: "Nothing. That's why everyone is here - because they want to see fights like that again. We're going to have a war, we're going to wear our hearts on our sleeves.
When people come to see me box, they know they are going to see knockouts and a bit of blood, and a bit of respect after.
"When people come to see me box, they know they are going to see knockouts and a bit of blood, and a bit of respect after. That's what boxing is about.
"I'm a wholesome fighter, I've got that roughness in me. When I need to dig deep and the skills aren't working, I know I can pull it out of the bag."
Joshua, at Wednesday's public workout, demonstrated inside-fighting during his shadow boxing and pad work with trainer Rob McCracken. Takam, who replaced the taller Kubrat Pulev at 12 days' notice, is four-and-a-half inches shorter than Joshua so the champion has previously hinted at favouring body punches.
"Fighting is about different styles and different types of opponents," Joshua said. "But the best opponent you can work on is yourself. I've definitely been improving myself.
"Takam is very strong and tough, and will keep on coming. But how long can he last? That's the question."
Of the sparring partners that were drafted in at late-notice to replicate Takam's physique, Joshua said: "Whether they are tall or small, they are throwing punches at me."
Earlier the world heavyweight champion had told Sky Sports: "I'm going to stand in front of [Takam] and chop his tree down, because that's what he does.
"A fighter like him wants to get on the inside, and work you around the body. I can't keep punching straight if a fighter is on my chest, so I need to work on my inside game and stand in a phone box. Those fights come down to will, heart and whoever wants it more.
"He disheartens you. Imagine throwing your best shots and they are still in front of you. It's disheartening. To do that for 12 rounds takes a lot of energy so sometimes I'll have to stand in front of him, trade with him, and go to war. I need to break his will, to break his heart."
