Cardiff fight fans told to ‘expect fireworks’

FIGHT fans have been told to expect ‘fireworks’ at the Principality Stadium tonight as world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua defends his titles against Carlos Takam.

Ten days ago, Joshua’s intended opponent, Kubrat Pulev, pulled out of the Cardiff bout with a shoulder injury, leaving Takam to step in and take his shot at the world title at the last minute.

Many now expect Joshua to maintain his perfect record – 19 wins, 19 KOs – with ease but he believes the change of opponent has spiced things up a bit.

As he looked forward to returning to the Welsh capital – his fourth professional fight was also in the city – the 28-year-old promised excitement.

“Cardiff is good, it’s looking really good,” said Joshua at yesterday’s final press conference at the National Museum of Wales.

“To be fighting again is good. It’s all I do, it’s all I know. It’s an honour to be defending my belts.

“I’ve got a cousin I spar with and he’s just like Takam’s build.

“You could say it’s a potential banana skin but I’ve trained well.

“I think our styles will definitely create some real good fireworks. I’m looking forward to it, that’s for sure.”

Joshua’s trainer Rob McCracken, a former world title challenger himself, went one step further than his charge and believes the Takam fight will be more entertaining than Pulev would have been.

He envisaged a cagey, tactical affair with the Bulgarian but believes his replacement will make for a much more entertaining bout.

“When I spoke to Eddie (Hearn), it wasn’t ideal because we’d trained for the best part of three months for Kubrat Pulev.

“But I think, without a doubt, he (Takam) is a dangerous opponent. He’s very difficult to beat.

“The main thing is that the fans will be the winners because Pulev is very experienced, very cagey and I think that until Anthony would have caught him, it would have been a cagey fight.

“It’s a different fight with Carlos Takam, he’s coming in to give it 100 per cent, he’s going to believe in himself and he’s going to go for it.

“The fans will be the real winners on Saturday, I think you’ll see a spectacular fight and I think you’ll see a great performance from AJ.”

Meanwhile, Cardiff boy Joe Cordina will take part in his fifth professional bout – boasting a record of 4-0 – in front of his home fans on the undercard.

For now, the Welsh Wizard is learning his spells but has lofty ambitions of emulating some of Wales’ greatest fighters.

“I’m looking forward to Saturday. Some great fighters like Joe Calzaghe, Enzo Maccarinelli, Steve Robinson, Gavin Rees – all these fighters have left big shoes to fill.

“But I’m on the way and I’m looking forward to emulating what they’ve done.

“What more can I ask for? I’m fighting here (in Cardiff) so early on in my career. I’ve dreamed of boxing here since I started. It’s an unbelievable feeling.”