CARLOS TAKAM says Joe Joyce will be wishing he’s back in the ring with Oleksandr Usyk when he starts landing bombs next week.
Cocky Carlos leapt at the chance to challenge for Joyce’s WBO International, WBC Silver and Commonwealth Heavyweight titles at SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday July 24, live on BT Sport.
Joyce had been sweating on a date with Oleksandr Usyk, but that fell through when Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua never materialised.
Joyce did fight Usyk in the WSB in 2013 losing on points and Takam told him: “I am a more difficult fight for Joe than Usyk.
“Joe knows Usyk because they boxed before and Usyk knows Joe.
“I am a problem because Joe has never fought someone like Carlos Takam. How am I going to fight him? It’s a surprise.
“I have experience. He has never fought anybody with my experience. That’s why I say he hasn’t fought anyone like me.”
Both Joyce and Takam are explosive punchers, and the French star predicts that it will be over with the first knockdown.
“He is going to try and put me down, I am going to try and put him down. Whoever puts someone down first is the winner,” he added.
“I want to hurt him like he is going to want to hurt me. We are going to punch each other and I am ready for that fight.
Joe Joyce Knows Takam Could Be A Head Case On Fight Night
JOE JOYCE insists he will meet Carlos Takam head-on if his rival gets tricky with his nut.
Joyce gambles his World Heavyweight title future when he risks the WBO International, WBC Silver and Commonwealth crowns against Takam at SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday July 24, live on BT Sport.
Takam’s head work has caused problems for opponents in the past including Anthony Joshua when they clashed in Cardiff in October 2017.
Joshua came through the IBF and WBA World title defence in the tenth round but had difficultly breathing throughout when Takam’s head clattered into his nose during the second round.
Joshua compared Takam to Evander Holyfield when he brought his head up, and said afterwards: “It was harder than a punch – bone on bone.”
Joyce is aware of the dangers especially as he is 6ft 6in tall and has a five inch height advantage over his Cameroon born rival.
Putney’s Joyce said: “It is possibly tactics and his height, but I am prepared.
“We have been working in training on countering that head butt. I am not going to reveal my secrets.
“It’s going to be a tough one, but I think I can get the job done. I am here, ready and waiting.
“I’m definitely going to try and knock out Takam. I think I will find a way sooner or later to get to him.
“Carlos is perhaps the best I have fought. He is always in shape, he is strong, he is durable and you know he can do the rounds.
“He is a problem I will have to deal with on the night and I will.”
Carlos Takam: “Joe Joyce has never fought someone like me”
Carlos Takam insists that Joe Joyce has never faced someone on his level and believes the undefeated Brit is in for a shock when they clash on July 24 in London.
Former world title challenger, Takam tackles Joyce for the WBC Silver and WBO International Heavyweight titles at the SSE Arena next month, live on BT Sport.
The ‘Juggernaut’ secured the biggest win of his career in November, beating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to put himself as the WBO number one contender, but his rival is confident of pulling off an upset.
“It’s going to be a big test for Joe Joyce,” Takam told Pro Boxing Fans.
“For me it’s not a test, because I’ve fought other people like [Alexander] Povetkin, [Anthony] Joshua, I’ve fought a lot of big names.
“So, for me it’s just to prove for my UK fans that I’m back and I’m a problem in that division.
“Joe Joyce has a good ranking, yes but the ranking is because maybe you have a good promoter, you have a good manager they make you a good ranking, that’s it, for me rankings don’t matter.
“Joe Joyce has never fought somebody like me. I have experience, I move everywhere in the ring, I don’t go straight to my opponent.”
Joyce appeared close to facing amateur rival Oleksandr Usyk, prior to an arbitrator ruling WBC champion, Fury to face Deotnay Wilder for a third time this summer, with unified world champion, Joshua now reportedly close to meeting the Ukrainian in September.
The Putney man stands at 6”6 giving him an almost five inch height advantage over the Cameroon-born Frenchman, although Takam who went 10 rounds with Anthony Joshua, who is the same height does not see this as a crucial factor in the fight.
“I always enjoy fighting taller guys,” the 40-year-old added.
“Taller guys don’t make me scared, I like to fight taller guys, I’m prepared to fight taller guys.”
Olympic Silver medalist, Joyce has only been the distance once in his professional career thus far, stopping 11 of his 12 opponents.
The 35-year-old is confident of adding to that tally on July 24, however Takam, who has only been halted three times against Anthony Joshua, Alexander Povetkin and Derek Chisora has dismissed those claims and believes that if he can nullify Joyce’s jab, which he used to great effect against Dubois, he will have his hand raised.
“You’re going to be surprised, I’m waiting for that fight.
“You think you can beat me by knockout or by TKO, no way! That’s not going to happen.
“I’m coming to the UK this time to win not to lose. I’m going to win my fight definitely, that’s going to be a war.
“No way am I going to let Joe Joyce beat me, I’m sorry. I’m sorry young guy but this is my time.
“He has a good jab like he did Dubois, with the jab, jab, jab every time.
“I think if you know how to stop Joe Joyce’s jabs, you will win the fight.”