Speaking exclusively with Sky Sports, Anthony Joshua has touched on the topic of his new challenger, Carlos Takam and has credited him as a combatant who is ‘as tough as they come’. Joshua also went on to explain that he feels this fight could quite possibly be another long gruelling slog that will go into the late rounds and possibly the entire distance.
“He just keeps on walking forward and that’s disheartening for a fighter” Joshua explained when analysing Takam’s aggressive fighting style. Joshua was quick to point out though, things could be different when Takam is opposite him; “When I’m in there with him, it will be interesting to see how game and ready he is, and what fire he is ready to go through”.
Joshua also went on to discuss his sparring during his preparations for the October 28th date. I’ve had some sparring partners that have been coming and trying to knock me out and I’ve had to dig in a bit and give them a few body shots back and so on. Joshua then touched on certain improvements and additions to his skill set in this camp; “My inside game has definitely improved, so I think if we have to stand on the inside and start trading off, it will definitely be an entertaining fight for the people watching”.
Joshua also discussed his predictions come fight night and once again he credited Takam by suggesting it may take a while before somebody as durable as Takam breaks down “People have said ‘Joshua what round?’ I think we’re going for a 10 to 12 round here you know. Joshua then went on to jokingly suggest the reason for Takam’s durability was the size of his skull; “This guy’s head is like a block of cement.”
On a final note, Joshua also admits he is leaving no stone unturned as losing to Takam would put a major dent in his career and is going to do all in his power to ensure Takam doesn’t tarnish his resume by inflicting a first professional loss . He added: “In boxing, I think it’s a sport that’s unforgiving in the sense that, if Takam beat me that loss will stay on my record for a lifetime, that will always be in my legacy. “It’s not ‘oh, he was a world champion and he done well for the sport of boxing’. No, no, no he was 19-1 – that’s Anthony’s legacy.