[Watch] Anthony Joshua vs Carlos Takam fight undercard, start time and prediction for world heavyweight title fight

The Principality Stadium in Cardiff will host the fight. Anthony Joshua returns to the ring for his IBF title defence against Carlos Takam.

The two boxers confirmed the fight on Tuesday September 5, with the bout to take place in Cardiff.

Joshua was originally due to fight Kubrat Pulev, but the Bulgarian pulled out with a shoulder injury.

As revealed by Standard Sport, this could be Joshua’s last UK-based fight for over a year should he be victorious, as he looks to break the US market and even harbours dreams of fighting in Africa.

You can read Joshua's pre-fight diary on Standard Sport in the week building up to the fight, but here's everything you need to know.

When is the fight?

Date: Saturday October 28 at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff.

Start time: The main event is expected to be start approximately 10pm.
Tickets

A limited number of tickets are still available from £34 via www.stubhub.co.uk.

Rail passengers are advised to plan their journey in advance at www.nationalrail.co.uk or by calling Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000.

Alternately, you will be able to follow the fight LIVE on Standard Sport.




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How to watch the Anthony Joshua fight: TV channel and live stream details!!!!

Anthony Joshua and Carlos Takam fight in Cardiff this Saturday night in the British heavyweight's first bout since defeating Wladimir Klitschko in April.

A packed out Principality Stadium will be watching on as Joshua defends his IBF and WBA Super Heavyweight titles. Here's how you can follow the fight at home.

What TV channel will it be on?

The fight is being shown on Sky Box Office in the UK, which is on channel 491 for standard definition and channel 492 for high definition.

How much will it cost to watch?

In the UK the fight will cost viewers £19.95 or €24.95 for Republic of Ireland customers.

Joshua in training earlier this month Credit:  Action Images via Reuters

How to watch the fight in the UK?
For those with Sky:

Subscribers can purchase the fight online here, through their box or online the telephone - 03442 410 888. If you're calling from the Republic of Ireland, it's: 0818 220 225.

How can I live stream the fight?

With Sky Sports Box Office you can watch the fights live via your PC/Desktop/MAC, NOW TV box, iPhone, iPad, Android phone or Android tablet.

It's simple to sign up, pay and watch - create an account and pay at www.skysports.com/boxofficelive.

Joshua vs Takam | All you need to know about Saturday's fight

What has Joshua been saying?

He told Sky Sports: "He is durable. He will become more durable because he'll be in hostile territory.

 "When you come into that type of environment, what have you got to lose? He'll say: 'I'll give it my all'.

"People have said: 'Josh, what round? What round?' I think we're going for a 10 to 12 round fight because this guy's head is like a block of cement."

SportNation new customer offer: Get 33/1 on a Joshua win >>





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{WATCH} Joshua vs Takam Live Stream: How to watch the big fight online for **free**

Watch Joshua vs Takam Live Stream: Watch the big fight online for free. Thought Mayweather vs McGregor was the last boxing mega fight of 2017? Think again! Here’s how to live stream Anthony Joshua vs Carlos Takam online for free – plus key information about the bout including the Joshua vs Takam time, Joshua vs Takam date, and full details of how to watch Anthony Joshua vs Carlos Takam in the UK.

Between Anthony Joshua’s epic encounter with Wladimir Klitschko and the Mayweather vs McGregor super-fight, it’s been quite a year in the boxing world.

In fact, it wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest 2017 will go down as one of the greatest years in boxing history – but before we reach that judgement, there’s the small matter of Saturday’s encounter between Anthony Joshua and Carlos Takam.

Set to take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, the fight sees Britain’s Joshua defending his trio of belts – the IBF, WBA (Super) and IBO titles he holds – against the 36-year-old Takam.

You probably don’t need us to tell you who the favourite is – Joshua boasts an untarnished 19-0 professional record, with all 19 wins down as KOs –  but there might still be some details you’re unsure about when it comes to streaming Joshua vs Takam live – which is why we’re here.

Read on for your full guide to the Joshua vs Takan fight.

Related: Black Friday 2017

Joshua vs Takam Time: Free live stream guide

The big Joshua vs Takam fight is set for Saturday October 28, with the main event expected to kick-off at approximately 11pm BST, which is around 6pm US Eastern Time.

However, that window could end up being earlier or later depending on how the Joshua vs Takam undercard pans out – we’d recommend that fans tune in by 10pm UK time to ensure they don’t miss a punch.

Sky Sports Box Office is your home for all things Joshua vs Takam, with things set to get underway at 6pm BST. The fight is priced at £19.95 / €24.95 for the full evening’s action, which means that should you pony up the necessary boodle, you’ll also be able to stream the action at not additional cost – that means for free!

Just purchase the Joshua vs Takam fight from Sky by following this link, then download the companion Sky Sports Box Office app – you can even purchase the fight in the app itself!

Here are some handy quick links to get you started:

Download: Sky Sports Box Office for iOS | Sky Sports Box Office for Android

That’s all there is to it, pugilism patrons! We hope you enjoy the fight and don’t forget to bookmark Trusted Reviews – your one-stop shop for all your live streaming needs!





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Joshua vs Takam: The Panel discuss whether Dillian Whyte is ready to take on Deontay Wilder

Dillian Whyte takes on Robert Helenius in Cardiff for the WBC Silver heavyweight title, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

If Dillian Whyte defeats Robert Helenius this Saturday night, the Londoner could be in line to take on WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, but would he win?

Tony Bellew

I am going to give Whyte credit on this. He never gives me any credit and he always slates me, but fair play to him, he has come out and said he wants to face him. If the people around Wilder think he is the best heavyweight in the world, take on Dillian and try do a better job than Joshua did on him?

I would put him on the same level, technically, as Wilder, but he is not on the same level when it comes to power. Wilder has the longest reach in boxing and it is the explosive rawness that would decide it. I think Wilder would knock him out but I would love to see Whyte get a shot.

Paulie Malignaggi

Dillian Whyte has good a chance against anyone. He always comes to fight, he always seems to bring his A-game when he needs it and he is a very tough competitor. He's also a very mean fighter as well which makes him dangerous in that ring.

I would like to see him and Wilder fight and although I would favour Wilder, just because of that knockout power, he would certainly have a chance. It would be great to see him fight 'Big Baby' Miller first and the winner takes on Wilder. Miller is one of the best trash-talkers we've got, Whyte isn't bad and it would not only be a fun build-up but a fun fight as well.

Johnny Nelson

I would love to see Whyte fight Wilder in the UK. That then gives Dillian a chance to win, but also gives British fans a chance to see Wilder and for whoever wins that, it sets up a huge fight with Anthony Joshua.

Dillian is doing what he has to do, training, fighting and winning. He needs fights that step him up, I don't think his performances have been as good recently because the fights aren't challenging enough. He stepped up when he fought 'AJ' and I think if you put the Wilder challenge in front of him, he will raise his game again.

Matthew Macklin

Wilder has shown that he isn't just a big puncher. He beat Bermane Stiverne going 12 rounds and boxed well. He hasn't only got a big right hand, although his key asset is power.

Dillian has improved a lot since he fought Joshua. When he turned pro he was a tough guy who was raw. He had raw materials - toughness, aggression - but lacked technical ability. He has worked really hard on that part of his game and will only get better.

Anthony Joshua v Carlos Takam Undercard

October 28, 2017, 6:00pm

Live on Sky Sports Arena

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David Coldwell

I like Dillian's attitude, forget about heavyweights, there's not many fighters these days with the attitude that he has - that say 'I will fight anyone, pay me the money and I will go in and beat them'. It's rare and great to see.

Whether or not his fights so far are going to prepare him for Wilder, I'm not so sure, but then again Wilder, apart from his power, is not the greatest of boxers. I wouldn't discount Dillian in the fight, he would be a live underdog, not a favourite. The jump from Helenius to Wilder might just be too much at this moment.

Jamie Moore

Dillian's performance against 'AJ', I said that in time it will look better than it did, and it does, that's still one of Joshua's toughest fights to date. Wilder is a big puncher and very dangerous, but Whyte is tough.

If he comes through against Helenius then gets the Wilder fight and beats him, the rematch with 'AJ' would be massive. That's the path he wants and he wants to chase that fight.

Watch Dillian Whyte vs Robert Helenius on the undercard to Anthony Joshua vs Carlos Takam, from the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on October 28, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book via your Sky remote or online.




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Anthony Joshua weighs in at career-high 18st 2lbs for heavyweight titles defence against Carlos Takam

Get the best offers including Joshua to win at 33/1. Anthony Joshua will enter the ring heavier than any time in his career yet when he makes the latest defence of his WBA and IBF heavyweight titles on Saturday night against Carlos Takam.

Joshua tipped the scales at a career-heaviest 18st 2lbs at Friday's weigh-in, while Takam came in at 16st 11lbs.

It will be Joshua's first fight since he defeated Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley in April.

As well as securing his financial future, that victory also made him one of Britain's most popular figures, but far from revelling in that glory, the Olympic gold medallist is determined to move on.

Joshua is more than a stone heavier than his opponent Takam Credit:  Getty Images Europe

"We're going to have to put that Klitschko win to the side at some stage," Joshua said during Thursday's press conference. "Boxing's unforgiving: that was that, this is now.

"Carlos is a completely different animal to Klitschko. In terms of style, technique and preparation, everything's completely different. My mindset's completely different, and it's going to be a completely different fight.

"It's not like this brings an ego. I keep my feet on the ground. I'm still grinding, I'm still hungry."
Joshua vs Takam | All you need to know about Saturday's fight
Eddie Hearn the pantomime villain

'Can we have a big cheer for Eddie Hearn, please?' ask Joshua. Jeers fill the room.

https://twitter.com/MatchroomBoxing/status/923901043389419520

Face-off

No expletives or handbags between the pair, who clench fists and pose for the cameras.

Joshua:

    Confident within myself, but never too over confident. Too much confidence can become a little cocky and that's when people can make mistakes and I don't want to make mistakes.

Weighing in a little heavier:

    "I'd been starving myself.....Maybe I'm starting to fill out as I get older and find my natural weight? Who knows what it is, but I feel fitter than I have for any fight."

2:12PM
Joshua weighs-in at 18st 2lbs

Joshua very cool as he makes his way onto the stage, no frills or histrionics. A chant of 'OHHH ANTHONY JOSHUA' goes up in the crowd, because people have lost the ability to sign to a tune other than Seven Nation Army.

Carlos Takam on the scales, 16st 11 1/2 lbs. Joshua next, and he is in at 18st 2lbs! Heavier than he was for Klitschko but still looking lean. That's a significant weight and height advantage on Takam.
2:06PM
Michael Buffer takes the mic

The unmistakable lilt of Michael Buffer signals the start of the main event. They are on their way...
1:55PM
Taylor's opponent misses the weight

Olympic champions Katie Taylor to the stage, protecting a 6-0 undefeated professional record. Taylor in at 9st 8 1/2lbs and her opponent Anahi Sanchez, defending her WBA world title, is in at 9st and 10lbs. That's two pounds over the limit meaning she has two hours to weigh-in under that in order to make the fight legitimate. Time for a hot bath then...

https://twitter.com/SkySportsBoxing/status/923895709119799296/photo/1


Just a few minutes until Joshua.
1:46PM
The body snatcher appears

Now it is time for Dillian Whyte vs Robert Helenius for the WBC Silver heavyweight title. Whyte's bout against Chisora on the undercard of Joshua-Klitschko was an epic slugfest. Helenius in at 17st 2 1/2lbs. Whyte in at 17st 9 1/2 lbs. It's all smiles and arm-slaps during the face-off, very tame stuff.

"I have the shazaam, I have the stuff," says Whyte.
1:42PM
We're getting closer...

Sky Sports' Adam Smith in conference with Eddie Hearn on stage. And after an interlude of around five minutes or so...no sign of Joshua yet.
1:34PM
Hometown fighter

Rapturous reception for the Cardiff-born Joe Cordina, he's in at 9st 8 1/2lbs.
1:29PM
The main event approaching...

WBA world super-flyweight challenger Sho Ishada takes the stage and weighs-in at 8st 2lbs, before champion Kal Yafai tips the scales at 8st 2 1/2lbs so we're good to go tomorrow night.

1:26PM

Katie Taylor is on the under card

Joshua has supported Taylor all the way through her rise to the professional ranks, and she still has an unblemished record at pro-level.  She takes on Anahi Esther  for the WBA lightweight title.
1:23PM
British light heavyweight

Frank 'the Wise Guy' Buglioni weighs in at 12st 6lbs, and he will be fighting for the British light heavyweight title against Callum Johnson 'Spider' Richards makes the weight, and we have a contest.
1:17PM
Under card weigh-ins under way

The first fight on the card tomorrow night is a light-heavyweight fight between Saidou Sall, he's in at 12st 6 1/2 lbs, and south Londoner Joshua Buatsi, he's in at 12st 8lbs.
1:13PM
Running 15 minutes behind schedule

As you will see, the final preparations are being made ready for Joshua and Takam to emerge. What a year it's been for the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, hosting a world title fight as well as the Champions League final.
1:03PM
We are past the 1pm scheduled start

These events tend to run a little behind schedule as they try to build up the tension in the room. Almost as if Eddie Hearn does it on purpose.

Hopefully we're not in store another unadulterated shambles like the Carabao Cup draw yesterday.
12:55PM
Larry Holmes believes Joshua must eventually fight Tyson Fury

    "If he doesn't beat Tyson Fury, it's going to be thrown up.

    "'What about Tyson Fury? What about Tyson Fury?'. Everywhere you go, you're going to hear that name.

    "So you take that name off the table. Get him. Challenge him. Put him on defence; you go offence.

    "Tell them, 'In my next fight I want to fight Tyson Fury. Everyone's talking about Tyson Fury; let me have him. Give him. I'm ready now to sign the contract'."

12:47PM

Watch what AJ has to say about his pre-fight mentality
03:2748:13

12:43PM

Will the change of opponent knock the champ off his stride?

After the drama of Kubrat Pulev's withdrawal due to injury, fight-night is almost upon us as Joshua takes on Carlos Takam instead. A more-front footed opponent than Pulev, Joshua will have had to alter his training methods at short notice.

A glance at the bookmakers' odds though, suggests there is little chance of an upset.
12:35PM
Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of the weigh-in

Anthony Joshua intends to put his defeat of Wladimir Klitschko "to the side" when on Saturday he defends his WBA and IBF heavyweight titles against Carlos Takam.

The 28-year-old also insists the methods of his trainer Rob McCracken mean Takam replacing the injured Kubrat Pulev at late notice represents no additional threat.

Under the roof at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, in front of an expected crowd of 70,000 - a world record for a fight at an indoor arena - Joshua fights for the first time since establishing himself as the world's leading heavyweight.

April's dramatic stoppage defeat of Klitschko, the dominant heavyweight of the modern era, represented the finest night of his decorated career and could yet also prove his defining fight.

As well as securing his financial future, that victory also made him one of Britain's most popular figures, but far from revelling in that glory, the Olympic gold medallist is determined to move on.

Anthony Joshua goes through his paces Credit: PA

"We're going to have to put that Klitschko win to the side at some stage," Joshua said. "Boxing's unforgiving: that was that, this is now.

"Carlos is a completely different animal to Klitschko. In terms of style, technique and preparation, everything's completely different. My mindset's completely different, and it's going to be a completely different fight.

"It's not like this brings an ego. I keep my feet on the ground. I'm still grinding, I'm still hungry."

Saturday's fight, which comes 24 years after Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno fought for the WBC heavyweight title at Cardiff's National Stadium, takes place with Joshua and Takam having had less than a fortnight to prepare for each other following Pulev's withdrawal.

"My trainer Rob McCracken has always taught me to focus on myself, my own personal development, rather than the opponent," Joshua said.

"He's never trained me for just one style of opponent. Whether I was fighting Kubrat Pulev or Carlos Takam, he's adapted me and it's been about my own balance, footwork and technique. I've fought a lot of people like his style."



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"Joshua" at career-high weight for fight against (((Takam)))

CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Anthony Joshua will fight at the heaviest weight of his professional career when he defends his IBF and WBA heavyweight belts against Carlos Takam in Cardiff on Saturday.

Joshua weighed in at 254.8 pounds (115.6 kilograms) on Friday. Takam came in at 225.5 pounds (102.3 kilograms).

Britain's Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua, left, and challenger Carlos Takam pose during the weigh-in at Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales, Friday, Oct. 27, 2017. Joshua will take on Takam in a world title fight in Cardiff on Saturday. (Nick Potts/PA via AP)

It is Joshua's first fight since beating Wladimir Klitschko in April, when the British boxer weighed in at 239.8 pounds (108.8 kilograms).

Britain's Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua poses during the weigh-in at Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales, Friday, Oct. 27, 2017. Joshua will take on Carlos Takam in a world title fight in Cardiff on Saturday. (Nick Potts/PA via AP)

Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.




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Joshua on 'challenger mode' ahead of title defence

The bout will be Joshua's fourth defence of his International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight title but a first defence of the World Boxing Association (WBA), which the 2012 Olympic gold medallist won with a technical knock-out of Wladimir Klitschko in April.

Joshua's unprecedented drawing power for a British boxer fighting in the UK means a crowd of over 70,000 is expected at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Anthony Joshua says he has the mindset of a challenger ahead of his world heavyweight title defence against Carlos Takam on Saturday.

The bout will be Joshua's fourth defence of his International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight title but a first defence of the World Boxing Association (WBA), which the 2012 Olympic gold medallist won with a technical knock-out of Wladimir Klitschko in April.

But Joshua, who has won all 19 of his professional bouts insisted he remained humble ahead of a bout with France-based Takam, who only stepped in at 12 days notice after original opponent Kubrat Pulev, of Bulgaria, pulled out with a shoulder injury.

"I used to go to all the amateur boxing shows when I was an amateur and you wanted the interaction with your role models," Joshua told a Cardiff news conference on Thursday.

"Now I see people coming up to me and I give them a bit," he added ahead of a bout that could earn him up to £15 million ($20 million, 17 million euros), said Joshua who lives with his mother in London when not training in Sheffield.

Joshua's unprecedented drawing power for a British boxer fighting in the UK means a crowd of over 70,000 is expected at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff - best known for staging Wales rugby union internationals.

'Transcended boxing'

For Joshua's thrilling 11th round win over Klitschko in April, there was a 90,000 sell-out at London's Wembley Stadium. "We have never seen anything like this in boxing and may never see it again," said promoter Eddie Hearn. "This young man has transcended boxing."

But Joshua said memories of April's thriller would count for nothing in Cardiff this weekend.

"We're going to have to put the Klitschko win to the side at some stage," he said.

"That was then and this is now. Carlos is a completely different animal to Klitschko.

"But what I do know is that I'm willing to do this or that or whatever to win. In terms of style and technique it's completely different. My mindset is different for this fight," Joshua added.

The now 36-year-old Paris-based Takam (35 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw, 27 knockouts) represented Cameroon at the 2004 Olympics before moving to France the following year.

Joshua was unconcerned by the late change of opponent saying: "My trainer Rob McCracken has always taught me to focus on myself, my own personal development, rather than the opponent.

"He's never trained me me for just one style of opponent. Whether I was fighting Kubrat Pulev or Carlos Takam, he's adapted me and it's been about my own balance, footwork and technique."

Takam eyeing title

Takam, who lost on points to New Zealand's Joseph Parker last year before the New Zealander went on to win the World Boxing Organisation version of the heavyweight title, said he was ready to face Joshua despite the lack of notice.

"When I heard the news about the fight I was already preparing for another fight, so I am ready," said Takam.

And Takam's promoter Christian Cherchi insisted his fighter was not just turning up for a big pay-day.

"Of course, there could be an upset, because you are talking about heavyweight boxing and one punch can change everything," said Cherchi. "Joshua knows this because he came back in a great way (after getting knocked down) in a great fight against Klitschko.

"Sometimes late notice means less pressure. Anthony is the favourite to win so the pressure is on him. But we believe Carlos has a great chance to win this fight.

"We haven't just come for the opportunity, we've come to win," he added.





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Photos: Anthony Joshua, Carlos Takam - Face To Face at Presser

Carlos Takam has replaced Kubrat Pulev as the IBF mandatory challenger for Anthony Joshua at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on October 28, live stream on Sky Sports Box Office.

Frenchman Takam is rated at number three with the governing body and has been on the hunt for a showdown with the British star, and gets his golden chance at ripping away Joshua’s titles in the Welsh capital after Pulev picked up a shoulder injury in sparring.

“I received a call from Kalle Sauerland late afternoon to inform me that Pulev had injured his shoulder and maybe ruled out of the fight – this was later confirmed by his doctor,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “IBF rules state that the mandatory will go to the next fighter in line which is Carlos Takam.

“When the Pulev fight was announced I made a deal with Takam's team to begin camp and be on standby for this fight. When I called them this evening they were overjoyed and good to go. It's a difficult position for AJ having prepared meticulously for the style and height of Pulev, he now faces a completely different style and challenge in Takam – this hasn't happened in his career before but he is ready for all comers on October 28.”

Joshua’s clash with Takam is part of a huge night of action in Cardiff where the 2012 London Olympic Gold medal man’s bitter foe Dillian Whyte aims to take a giant step to his first World title shot by facing Robert Helenius for the WBC Silver strap.

Kal Yafai defends his WBA Wold Super-Flyweight title against Japanese mandatory challenger Sho Ishida and Irish sensation Katie Taylor challenges for her first World title as she takes on two-weight World champion Anahi Esther Sanchez for the WBA Lightweight crown.

Official hospitality packages are available to purchase directly from Principality Stadium Experience. Both private suite and premium lounge packages are available to purchase, with prices starting from £450 per person + VAT. For further information please call the team on 02920 822 413. Official Travel & Hospitality packages are also available via Sportsworld via www.sportsworld.co.uk or by calling 0208 9712966

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Explosive Joshua values entertainment as much as wins

FILE- In this Friday, April 28, 2017 file photo, British boxer Anthony Joshua gestures as he takes part in the weigh-in for his fight against Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Arena in London. Joshua fights Carlos Takam on Saturday in a mandatory defense of his WBA and IBF heavyweight belts.

Anthony Joshua's goal in boxing extends beyond the ambitious task of unifying the world heavyweight titles.

He wants to put on a show while doing so.

Joshua is leading the resurgence of a heavyweight division that suffered for at least a decade amid the dominance and cautious style of the Klitschko brothers.

The IBF and WBA champion is as popular for his explosive fighting style as his looks and easy-going character, and is seeking a 20th straight professional win when he fights Carlos Takam in Cardiff on Saturday.

His 19 victories have all come by knockout and only one of those fights — against Wladimir Klitschko in April — went beyond seven rounds.

"Right now, we are in the division and the business of providing really good fights," Joshua said Thursday in the fighters' final head-to-head news conference. "We are not here to tip and tap and run for 12 rounds."

"I think the fans are always going to be the winners in this division," the British fighter added, "because you have hungry guys that are coming."

The late change of opponent for Joshua — Takam was announced just two weeks ago as the replacement for the injured Kubrat Pulev — should make the fight more entertaining in front of an estimated crowd of 78,000 people at Principality Stadium.

Joshua is coming in lighter for his first defense of the WBA belt and the fourth defense of the IBF strap because he wanted to counter the speed of Pulev, who he described as a "real amateur-style boxer."

Takam, though, is a different kind of fighter, someone who will get in close, work the body and slug it out. The Cameroon-born French boxer took Joseph Parker, the current WBO champion, to 12 rounds last year in the last of his three career losses.

"With his style and his strength, I wish I'd have come in heavier," Joshua said, "so we can stand there and slug it out. His punches are going to be ricocheting through my whole body. So the bigger you are, the stronger you are."

Joshua called the fight a "potential banana skin" after training for more than two months in the expectation of taking on Pulev.

"Who knows what's going to happen. You saw I got tired against Klitschko — am I going to find out I'm only a five-round fighter?" Joshua said. "This is someone who is tough, can go the distance. He's definitely going to take me into late waters."

Takam, a mandatory challenger, said it would be the biggest night of his 39-fight professional career that "will change my sporting life, but not my personal life."

"Sometimes late notice means less pressure," said Christian Cherchi, Takam's promoter.
Steve Douglas is at www.twitter.com/sdouglas8





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Joshua vs Takam: Anthony Joshua is unbeatable right now, says fellow heavyweight *David Price*

British heavyweight David Price admits he'd pay to watch Anthony Joshua, admitting the boxer is world class.

David Price believes that no active fighter would be able to beat Anthony Joshua, but admits that in heavyweight boxing "one punch can change everything."

Joshua defends his WBA 'Super' and IBF world titles against mandatory challenger and late replacement Carlos Takam this Saturday at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Liverpool heavyweight Price, a 2008 Olympic bronze medallist, is confident that 'AJ' will overcome the France-based Cameroonian, but also adds that it is possible that Takam can cause a "huge upset".

Carlos Takam will be looking to shock the world on Saturday night

"I know a bit about Takam, when you're a heavyweight boxer, you're always aware of who is about and who is a danger at your weight," Price said.

"Takam has always been seen as a danger in the division. Other than an early loss in his career, he has only lost to Povetkin and Parker, so he is no pushover.

I don't actually think any active heavyweight can beat Joshua right now, including myself, but one big shot can change everything

David Price
"It is dangerous for 'AJ' with the late change, but what is in his favour is that Takam is straight-forward with his style, he will just come forward. Joshua may have struggled if a southpaw mover was brought in.

"That makes heavyweight boxing so exciting. The odds are against the challenger but there is still the possibility of a huge upset. "

Price actually has history himself with Joshua and claims to have knocked him down in sparring in the past.
 Anthony Joshua says he has no stress ahead of his defence to beat Carlos Takam in the world heavyweight title fight in Cardiff on Saturday

"That was a long time ago. Sparring normally gets kept under wraps, but I let the cat out the bag because I thought I could get a fight with 'AJ'.

"A big right hand of mine put him flat on his face and he had to be helped out the ring. Although he was young, big men can land big punches, he'll be the first to admit it.
Anthony Joshua v Carlos Takam Undercard

October 28, 2017, 6:00pm

Live on Sky Sports Arena

Get Sky Sports    >  Get a Sky Sports pass

"I don't actually think any active heavyweight can beat Joshua right now, including myself, but one big shot can change everything.

"The only fighter who would test him is Tyson Fury, but whether he could get in the shape to take him on, you don't know.

"There are very few weaknesses in his game and the ones that he does have, they can be polished. I'm not saying that he is the perfect fighter, but there isn't much room for improvement, he's coming to his physical and technical peak.

"It's phenomenal what he is doing at the minute. Takam is the test now and I think they will stand and meet fire with fire in an exciting fight. It's a different style for 'AJ' but I think he stops him inside four rounds."

Watch Anthony Joshua vs Carlos Takam, from the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on October 28, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book via your Sky remote or online.




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Joshua vs Takam: Dillian Whyte laughs off knockout prediction from Robert Helenius

Dillian Whyte will battle Robert Helenius for the WBC silver belt this Saturday night, live stream on Sky Sports Box Office.

Dillian Whyte has laughed off a knockout prediction from opponent Robert Helenius and sent a mocking message back to ‘The Nordic Nightmare.’

The British heavyweight hit back at brash words from Helenius ahead of their battle for the WBC silver belt on the undercard of Anthony Joshua-Carlos Takam in Cardiff this Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Helenius claims he will "definitely win by knockout" after the first bell rings at the Principality Stadium, but Whyte gave a typically dismissive response at the media workout.

"He says he's coming to knock me out, which shows a lot of ambition, so that will be good, we'll see," Whyte told Sky Sports.

"He calls himself the viking. I've just got one message for him.

"Be careful, he might have an early trip to Valhalla on Saturday night. Those that don't know what Valhalla is, go and look it up, it means viking heaven."

Whyte believes he is within touching distance of challenging for a world title, with promoter Eddie Hearn determined to secure a shot at WBC champion Deontay Wilder, although he is wary of the threat posed by Helenius.

Helenius stands in the way of Whyte's world title ambitions

"If I become world heavyweight champion, I can't find the words for it," said Whyte.

"It's something that you get in the sport and you dream about becoming a world champion. It's a realistic goal and I'm very close.

"Before AJ fought Charles Martin, before he fought me, they said he wasn't ready for a world title, maybe another year.

I feel so close, yet so far, because I'm focused on one fight at time. I don't want to overlook an opponent. Robert Helenius is a dangerous, a big guy, and he can punch.

Dillian Whyte
"Then he fought me and they said he was ready. It shows the level I am. I've improved, come back better. I believe I'm stronger, and getting technically better.

"I'm appreciating the technical side of boxing more and more, so I feel so close, yet so far, because I'm focused on one fight at a time. I don't want to overlook an opponent. Robert Helenius is a dangerous, a big guy, and he can punch."

 
Watch Anthony Joshua vs Carlos Takam, from the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on October 28, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book via your Sky remote or online.





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Joshua v Takam: Watch final press conference ahead of 28 Oct, Saturday's Sky Sports Box Office title fight

Anthony Joshua and Carlos Takam will go face to face for the first time and you can follow it here on our live stream.

The press conference is due to start at 1pm and you can follow it right here and on Sky Sports Facebook and Sky Sports YouTube as well.

oshua defends his IBF and WBA 'Super' belts in the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, live on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday, with Takam the new mandatory challenger who has been set the task of trying to topple the British superstar.

The French-based Cameroonian heavyweight is humble and a man of few words, but this will be the first time he gets close to Joshua.

Watch Anthony Joshua vs Carlos Takam, from the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book via your Sky remote or online.




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Joshua vs Takam: *Anthony Joshua* hopes to rule heavyweight division for a decade

Anthony Joshua defends his world titles against Carlos Takam this Saturday night, live stream on Sky Sports Box Office.

Anthony Joshua hopes to rule the heavyweight division for a decade as he prepares to defend his world titles against Carlos Takam in Cardiff.

The unbeaten 28-year-old will face Takam in front of 78,000 fans at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, live on Sky Sports Box Office, and admits he is still improving as a world champion.

But Joshua believes he can enjoy a lengthy reign at the top, if he maintains his dedicated approach to the sport.

Providing I stay disciplined in my sport, you'll hear of me for the next 10 years, and I'll definitely progress as a person, and that's what's it's about.

Anthony Joshua

"I can't be perfect. I am who I am," Joshua told Sky Sports News. "I have managed to become heavyweight champion of the world and who I am, I can present myself as the person I am today, with a project and vision of improving myself for the future.

"Providing I stay disciplined in my sport, you'll hear of me for the next 10 years, and I'll definitely progress as a person, and that's what it's about.

"This isn't who I am today. I may make a mistake, but I'll correct it in the future, and that's what being a champion is about. If life was perfect and simple, people wouldn't be able to relate to me."

Joshua must cope with the muscular presence of Takam after Kubrat Pulev pulled out through injury

Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed last week that Joshua could be up to a stone lighter when he steps on the scales for Friday's weigh-in, although the WBA 'super' and IBF title holder says his new-look leaner physique might not be ideal for the physical demands posed by Takam.

"With his style and his strength, I wish I came in heavier, so we could just stand there and slug it out with each other," said Joshua.

"His punches are going to be ricocheting through my body, so the bigger you are, the stronger you are, but why I came in lighter, I thought I was fighting Pulev, a real amateur style boxer. Jab with him and match his speed.

"This is a completely different style of fighter, so maybe I might have come in a bit heavier if I knew I was fighting Takam. But nevertheless we are here, I'm looking at myself in the best condition I am, and I'll put on the best performance in this condition I am."

'AJ' hopes to remain on course for unification clashes next year

Unification fights against WBC champion Deontay Wilder and WBO king Joseph Parker are thought to part of Joshua's plans and he intends to set-up another significant year in his career.

Joshua said: "If we are putting on a great fight, people are saying 'can he beat him', 'he definitely can beat him', or 'that fight will be a good fight'. 'Parker is a bit smaller, that's going to be a real good dust-up, if it's like the Takam fight'.

"There are so many questions to be answered, but all surrounds Saturday night in a weird way.

"I just need to make sure obviously I win, but if I can do it in good fashion, then the stock keeps high and we look forward to a spectacular 2018."

Watch Anthony Joshua vs Carlos Takam, from the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on October 28, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book via your Sky remote or online.




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Anthony Joshua risks taking eye off challenger Carlos Takam with Wilder talk

There is an infinitesimal sliver of suspicion that Anthony Joshua is breaking the golden rule of boxing: looking beyond his next opponent.

Anthony Joshua takes on Carlos Takam in Cardiff on Saturday and is already planning a unification bout against Deontay Wilder in 2018. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images via Reuters

Anthony Joshua does not get much wrong. He lives the life and he talks it in a string of articulate interviews lit up by a smile that should excite the interest of any toothpaste company.

The three-belt world heavyweight champion is as near to perfect as any professional athlete operating today. Yet, before the mandated defence of his IBF title against the late replacement Carlos Takam in Cardiff on Saturday night, there is an infinitesimal sliver of suspicion that he is breaking the golden rule of boxing: looking beyond his next opponent.

Joshua does make the obligatory noises about the obvious qualities of the 36-year-old Frenchman: strength, determination and a rock-like chin. He acknowledges, too, that he has had to adjust his tactics since the late withdrawal through injury of his mandatory challenger, Kublat Pulev. His pre-fight analysis is as scientific as his trainer, Rob McCracken, would demand of the champion.

Much of that, however, has been for domestic consumption. Joshua told Sky this week: “People have said: ‘Josh, what round? What round?’ I think we’re going for a 10- to 12-round fight because this guy’s head is like a block of cement.” All true – and comforting for customers wondering if it is worth shelling out £19.95 for the privilege of witnessing it.

There is an obligation to ensure Sky’s pay-per-view audience will be convinced this is as dangerous a contest as the original was expected to be – which somehow ignores the fact Takam is not Pulev, who most definitely is not Wladimir Klitschko, who gave Joshua the fight of his life in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium this summer.

This is a long way removed from that challenge. The hoped-for audience in the Principality Stadium is 70,000, mightily impressive if it is realised.

Away from local microphones, however, Joshua has addressed a different agenda: the inevitable unification showdown with the unbeaten American WBC champion and knockout artist Deontay Wilder.

In an international teleconference organised by Showtime, the American wing of the promotion, Joshua went straight to the point: “There’s two things that I’m focusing on. One is that [Takam] is just like another fight and the second is winning. Then we can all move on to see what 2018 holds.”

What it holds is the Wilder fight. The trick is getting there. Wilder defends against the aging but dangerous Bermane Stiverne next month and then will have to deal with demands from Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, that he meet the Londoner Dillian Whyte to get to the unification bout, probably outdoors in the UK next summer.

“He’s what the division needs and I think this is what Wilder needs, so we’ll give it to them,” Joshua said. “I say it’s definitely a potential for 2018. What else am I going to do in 2018 provided that I don’t have any mandatories? I’ll be a free agent. If dealt with right with Eddie Hearn and the US, I think it could be built to be something just like the Klitschko fight. It should be better.

“I’m excited. I’m very excited. I would love to fight the great champions that the United States has produced. At the same time I’ll fight anywhere. I’m fine staying in the UK but America’s definitely at the top of the pyramid. Before I wanted to go out there for the experience. Now I want to go out there and make me some money.”

Hearn wants the Joshua-Wilder fight in the UK, where it would guarantee another 90,000-plus audience at Wembley. But, asked if he foresaw the fight happening in the US, the champion said: “I can see it happening in the US. If you came to Wembley on 29 April you saw what that was like. It was phenomenal. That was really good. So do we want to create that again or should we go overseas and do something new? It’s good to have options.”

Returning to the job in hand on Saturday, Joshua said there was no chance the show would not go on after Pulev pulled out. “He had to make the decision. From a fighter’s point of view, you have to put the fighter first. From a second point of view, I don’t want to take the opportunity from a lot of my friends on the undercard because they’re not going to make their money.

“Then you’ve got to think of the fans as well, because there’s so many people that book hotels, travel, time off work. Before I think of myself I think of all these other people that have come out to have a good time and are dependent on me. So that’s why I said I’m really happy the show could go on, not just for me. A lot of people would have lost out.”

He then chastised Wilder for threatening to walk away from his defence when his original opponent, Luis Ortiz, was scrubbed after failing a second drugs test. “I find it funny. It’s like Twitter-fingers now, like doing your business behind closed doors. Ortiz failed a drug test, so be it, move on to the next one. Ortiz comes off his ban and you box him then. No need to cry about it and say that nobody wants to fight you.
“Of course we want to fight you, Deontay, you’re the champion. You’re the hunted. He just needs to start thinking that way and stop feeling sorry for himself, just keep quiet and don’t show any weakness in this game. This is heavyweight boxing.”

It is a game that Joshua has mastered. Perhaps he is so good he can take his eye off Takam for a moment to view the wider landscape. It is his domain, after all. His job on Saturday is to make sure he is still in charge of it.

Yet, for all his success, Joshua has never cut himself adrift from his roots. He has had his well-documented teenage troubles in Watford, and it has contributed to his sharp sense of perspective as a multimillionaire celebrity athlete. In an environment of towering egos, the man who stands tallest talks with the least ego.

“I’m going to keep it humble because there’s still people in this sport that I look up to. I love [former light-heavyweight champion Sergey] Kovalev, I love Alexander Ustinov [the 40-year-old Russian whose only loss was when stopped late by Pulev in 2012].

“From a talent perspective, I don’t know if I’m as talented, but I hustle the smartest. I work the hardest. You can’t deny that. We’re all carrying this weight. Even promoters are carrying this weight it’s not just me. We all have different attributes.”

He did have some final thoughts on Takam, though – with one eye still on the future.

“To have a style like Takam’s, not a lot of people have long careers. He just eats up a little bit of ground each round. He could throw a jab, right hand to the head, left hook, right hook and be looking good and, all of a sudden, everything he’s doing wasn’t working because the person you’re fighting is still coming.

“So, I think by round six, seven or eight, he starts applying pressure because he’s got that type of fighter with the ‘I’m going to absorb and measure everything you do’ mindset – which is a dangerous style. I’ve fought [Dominic] Breazeale, [John] Molina, and Klitschko. And, for Kubrat Pulev, I’ve focused on a lot of taller fighters. They say Carlos Takam fights at 6ft 2in, but he probably fights at six foot bent down and crouched over.

“All in all, what goes down in the history books is whether I win or lose. I’ve just got to do whatever I’ve got to do to get this win. It’s really important for me and the sport of boxing, because it sets up several fights in the future.”
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Watch Joshua vs Takam: Follow our live stream of Anthony Joshua and the rest of the card in the ring

Live stream of public workout here from 6:15pm. Anthony Joshua is ready for his final preparations and you can watch his workout live on the Sky Sports stream from 6:15pm.

'AJ' will be put through his paces in Cardiff, just three days ahead of his IBF and WBA 'Super' heavyweight title defence against Carlos Takam, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Joshua is due on at 8:30pm, but before that you can get your first real look at Takam, see how heavyweight opponents Dillian Whyte and Robert Helenius match up, and check out world title fighters Kal Yafai and Katie Taylor.

We will also be streaming it live on www.facebook.com/skysports, YouTube as well as this page, from 6pm tonight.

Running order

6.00pm - Lawrence Okolie
6.10pm - Craig Richards
6.20pm - Frank Buglioni
6.30pm - Joshua Buatsi
6.40pm - Sho Ishida
6.50pm - Kal Yafai
7.00pm - Joe Cordina
7.10pm - Anahi Sanchez
7.20pm - Katie Taylor
7.30pm - Robert Helenius
7.45pm - Dillian Whyte
8.00pm - Carlos Takam
8.30pm - Anthony Joshua

(Planned times)

Watch Joshua and the rest in action from 6pm

Watch Anthony Joshua vs Carlos Takam, from the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book via your Sky remote or online.




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Joshua vs Takam: The Panel on whether Carlos Takam will prove a tougher test than Kubrat Pulev for Anthony Joshua

Carlos Takam will hope to shock Anthony Joshua this Saturday night, live stream on Sky Sports Box Office. Our panel of experts discuss whether newly-instated mandatory challenger Carlos Takam will provide Anthony

Joshua with a tougher test than Kubrat Pulev would have.

Tony Bellew

This certainly poses a different threat. Pulev's strengths were his height, his strength and his experience - as an amateur and professional. Takam though, who is shorter with a much higher work-rate, brings a whole new set of problems.

Joshua will be punching down, which can be a problem because if you're doing that you can leave your chin susceptible to big shots over the top. Takam's footwork in and out is better than Pulev's, so there are different problems but let's be honest, after his last fight Anthony has experienced everything you can experience in a boxing ring.

Johnny Nelson

Takam is more prepared for Joshua tactics-wise than 'AJ' is for Takam, so for that Joshua has to get rid of him as soon as possible.

If Takam had the same amount of notice as Pulev, this fight would be better than the Pulev fight. This is a mandatory, not a pick them fight and Takam wants this now. It would be better if he had the same notice, but this makes it tougher mentally for 'AJ', not physically though.

Carl Froch

This could be tougher than Pulev. You know what you get from the Bulgarian. He doesn't really come to win and he's not shown me that in his last few fights. He hasn't thrown enough punches or taken chances, he is safety first, I don't think he had a chance of beating Joshua.

I'd actually rather see Takam than Pulev. He throws big hooks, he has 27 knockouts and he is going to come out and give it a go. He knows this is his one big chance, his golden opportunity, so he is going to give it his all - he has nothing to lose.

Jamie Moore

 I don't think one guy is more dangerous to 'AJ' than the other, that's no disrespect to those guys, that's more of how good Joshua is. He will be so tough to beat.

Takam has come in at late notice and will just roll the dice and give it his all for six rounds, so in that sense, it could be more dangerous. Against someone like 'AJ', only two weeks' notice won't have that much effect on the fight outcome.

Joshua was originally scheduled to face Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev

Paulie Malignaggi

 Well, I am sure Takam will come into this in shape and very motivated. Yes, Joshua is bigger and technically better but Takam is no pushover. He has always given a good account of himself, even when he's been beaten.

I don't think Joshua will have to make too many changes to his specific preparation for the opponents anyway. If he has done the training to its maximum best - which I am sure he has - Takam might be tough. He might realise this is his one big shot, but I don't think it makes it any harder for 'AJ'.

Matthew Macklin

He may prove tougher, although Pulev was obviously in the mandatory position and had fought Klitschko. Pulev is a top fighter and I remember him being a top-class amateur, but Takam did draw with Mike Perez and he should have got that decision.

He was also good against Joseph Parker, too. Takam has shown better form in recent times than Pulev. Everything that the Cameroonian has been doing in training has been focused on Anthony Joshua so, in that department, he has the advantage.

David Coldwell

I'm not going to say Takam is better than Pulev but it presents different problems, completely different. He is very resilient and the awkwardness of his height is his advantage.

'AJ' has to be smart and use his feet, jab and straight right hand. If Joshua controls him at range then he busts him up, but if Takam gets on the inside, it's a hard fight. We don't know what 'AJ' is like at close quarters. If Takam gets on the inside we will see a new side to Joshua.

Watch Anthony Joshua vs Carlos Takam, from the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on October 28, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book via your Sky remote or online.

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