Joe Joyce says Carlos Takam will arguably be the best opponent he has fought as a pro so far.
Next weekend (July 24), WBO No.2 ranked heavyweight Joyce faces former world title challenger Takam at the SSE Arena, Wembley, keen to build on his impressive win over Daniel Dubois last November.
The British, Commonwealth and European title holder is wary of the smaller Takam’s headwork after unified champion Anthony Joshua claimed ‘it was harder than a punch – bone on bone’ in their encounter in Cardiff back in October 2017.
French-Cameroonian Takam is five inches shorter than the 6ft 6ins South Londoner who is ready for any rough stuff next weekend.
“It is possibly tactics and his height, but I am prepared,” said Joyce. “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.”