Joe Joyce is a 1/10 favourite to preserve his unbeaten record by overcoming Carlos Takam on Saturday night – but ‘The Juggernaut’ is still expecting the toughest test of his pro career so far.
Joyce (12-0) goes into the showdown at SSE Arena, Wembley (live on BT Sport) knowing that success would cement his position as the next mandatory for the WBO heavyweight title currently held by Anthony Joshua.
It’s eight months since 35-year-old Joe last fought, in that career-best knockout of the much-heralded Daniel Dubois. He believes that in Takam he couldn’t have a much tougher return.
Joyce on Takam threat
“It’s going to be a tough one, but I think I can get the job done. I am here, ready and waiting,” said Joe.
“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.”
The vastly experienced Takam made headlines – no pun intended – for his head work during his world-title defeat by Anthony Joshua back in 2017. AJ had trouble breathing after taking a heavy blow on the nose from Takam’s head early in their fight in Cardiff.
Ifs and butts
Joshua compared that side of Takam to Evander Holyfield – and Joyce knows it is something he must be aware of.
“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.”
As stated, a win for Joe would make him the mandatory for the WBO heavyweight title. Joshua is set to defend that belt against Oleksandr Usyk in London on Saturday September 25.