Carlos Takam insists that Joe Joyce has never faced someone on his level and believes the undefeated Brit is in for a shock when they clash on July 24 in London.
Former world title challenger Takam tackles Joyce for the WBC Silver and WBO International heavyweight titles at the SSE Arena next month, live on BT Sport.
The ‘Juggernaut’ secured the biggest win of his career in November, beating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to put himself as the WBO number one contender, but his rival is confident of pulling off an upset.
“It’s going to be a big test for Joe Joyce,” Takam told Pro Boxing Fans.
“For me it’s not a test, because I’ve fought other people like [Alexander] Povetkin, [Anthony] Joshua, I’ve fought a lot of big names. So, for me it’s just to prove for my UK fans that I’m back and I’m a problem in that division.
“Joe Joyce has a good ranking, yes but the ranking is because maybe you have a good promoter, you have a good manager they make you a good ranking, that’s it, for me rankings don’t matter.
“Joe Joyce has never fought somebody like me. I have experience, I move everywhere in the ring, I don’t go straight to my opponent.”
Joyce appeared close to facing amateur rival Oleksandr Usyk, prior to an arbitrator ruling WBC champion Tyson Fury to face Deontay Wilder for a third time this summer, with unified world champion, Joshua now reportedly close to meeting the Ukrainian in September.
The Putney man stands at 6”6 giving him an almost five inch height advantage over the Cameroon-born Frenchman, although Takam who went 10 rounds with Anthony Joshua, who is the same height does not see this as a crucial factor in the fight.
“I always enjoy fighting taller guys,” the 40-year-old added.
“Taller guys don’t make me scared, I like to fight taller guys, I’m prepared to fight taller guys.”
Olympic Silver medalist, Joyce has only been the distance once in his professional career thus far, stopping 11 of his 12 opponents.
The 35-year-old is confident of adding to that tally on July 24, however Takam, who has only been halted three times against Anthony Joshua, Alexander Povetkin and Derek Chisora has dismissed those claims and believes that if he can nullify Joyce’s jab, which he used to great effect against Dubois, he will have his hand raised.
“You’re going to be surprised, I’m waiting for that fight. You think you can beat me by knockout or by TKO, no way! That’s not going to happen,” Takam said.
“I’m coming to the UK this time to win not to lose. I’m going to win my fight definitely, that’s going to be a war. No way am I going to let Joe Joyce beat me, I’m sorry. I’m sorry young guy but this is my time.
“He has a good jab like he did Dubois, with the jab, jab, jab every time. I think if you know how to stop Joe Joyce’s jabs, you will win the fight.”