Joshua vs Takam: Preview for the world heavyweight title fight between Anthony Joshua and Carlos Takam
Sunday 29 October 2017 07:07, UK
Anthony Joshua’s fourth world title defence comes against Carlos Takam, live on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday night.
Background
Takam, a rugged Cameroon-born contender compared to a "block of cement" by Joshua, has stepped in at 12 days' notice to challenge the IBF and WBA 'super' heavyweight champion. Seventy-eight thousand people will descend on Cardiff's Principality Stadium, the second consecutive facility of that size that Joshua has sold out, to watch the latest step in the world heavyweight champion's journey.
The late-notice switch of opponents, after Kubrat Pulev's withdrawal, makes this a tricky assignment for Joshua who has predicted "10 to 12 rounds" in a show of respect for his challenger's durability. Takam has been stopped just once in 39 fights and took Joseph Parker, the WBO champion, 12 rounds last year.
But for Joshua, this mandatory defence of his gold is about opening doors to the most glamorous fights in 2018. Parker, WBC title-holder Deontay Wilder, his old rival Dillian Whyte and (whisper it quietly) Tyson Fury await.
What the fighters say
My speed will beat his combinations. A good way to beat Carlos is to take his body out, that's what Povetkin did to him.
At this level, we are always ready. I have taken this great opportunity and have done what I can to be ready.
The tactics
He's got to catch Takam reaching. I think if he does that - that new-found weapon for Joshua that he's fallen in love with, his right uppercut will actually come into play.
What the heavyweights say
After the Klitschko fight, I don't think Joshua wants to go in there to mess around and ain't going to go back, he is going to come forward, and AJ will probably go forward as well. It should be a good fight while it lasts.
I think Anthony Joshua has a great opportunity to make himself known as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
What the experts say
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.
American fight fans are in tune to Joshua because they know what he's done, especially to Klitschko.
The acid test was Klitschko, he went down in that fight and he showed he has a champion's heart by coming back and winning that fight.
The weigh-in
Anthony Joshua: 18st 2lbs
Carlos Takam: 16st 11 1/2lbs
What may await in 2018?
The dream fight is still Tyson Fury...
