SPORT WEEK THE BIG FIGHT
sky sports boxing expert JOHNNY NELSON predicts a knockout victory for anthony Joshua against carlos takam
ULTIMATE GUIDE
Anthony Joshua v Carlos Takam Saturday, Sky Sports Box Office HD, from 6pm
BRITAIN’S ANTHONY JOSHUA steps into the ring at Cardiff ’s Principality Stadium on Saturday to defend his world titles against Cameroonianfrench challenger Carlos Takam after his original opponent, Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev, withdrew due to a shoulder injury.
So far, the world heavyweight champion from Watford has won all his 19 fights, knocking his opponent out on every occasion. However, Takam should not be discounted, having 27 knockouts to his name, and a reputation for aggression and power.
We asked Sky Sports boxing expert Johnny Nelson to set the scene for the big fight…
THE CHALLENGER
This could be a real Rocky moment for the French fighter who wasn’t expecting to fight Joshua at this stage of his career. Takam has an impressive record, with 27 knockouts, and he is an aggressive fighter. He won’t have been training for a shot at the world title until two weeks ago, but as the back-up fighter he will still have done plenty of work in the gym, and will come into the ring fight-fit. As a last-minute replacement he will be dangerous for Joshua, and will have a slight surprise element on his side as he goes for a shock result.
THE CHAMPION
Joshua learned more in that one fight against Wladimir Klitschko [when he won the WBA title in April] than in his previous 18 fights, and we saw him show some tactical ability instead of just relying on his speed, power and energy. Until two weeks ago he was preparing to fight a much bigger man, so Joshua will have to adjust to that, especially the direction he throws his punches. I reckon his youth, speed and accuracy will prove too much for Takam and he’ll win by a knockout.