Joe Joyce is known for his relentless fighting style and his refusal to take a backward step, and manager Sam Jones says that is why he is taking on the challenge of Carlos Takam next month (live on BT Sport).
Joyce vs Takam is just part of an incredible night of heavyweight boxing which also includes Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3.
For the unbeaten Joe it’s a risk – he could have taken a softer option than the 39-5-1 Takam, who is proven at world level. But that is not in his nature.
Win, and he will be the WBO’s next mandatory contender for whoever wins the upcoming Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk showdown – likely to take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 25. Lose, and his world title dreams will be in tatters.
Jones on Joyce vs Takam
Jones explained the mindset behind the Takam fight, revealing: “We told Frank (Warren, Joyce’s promoter) that we didn’t want to go backwards. We wanted to go forward. Joe wanted a tough challenge.
“He could have had a much easier fight, but Joe wanted Takam and that is a testament to him. Joe gets written off and people say he is slow and ponderous, but every heavyweight that has been in there with Joe will tell you he is a whole different proposition when you have a 19-stone man coming at you constantly. He is like a wasp, a big one and will not leave you alone.
Joyce is coming off a career-best win last November when he burst the considerable bubble surrounding the exciting Daniel Dubois. Takam provides another stern test, as Jones explained.
Joyce must perform
“Takam has muscles growing from his arm pits, is always game and gives everyone tough fights. He has been at world level and in good fights.
“Joe has to perform and keep his position with the WBO. This is no easy fight, but we’re confident he will do a number. Tyson Fury is a genius of fighter, but Joe on his day will beat any man. Hopefully Tyson and AJ will get it on later this year and then Joe can fight the winner.”
