Takam: No Fear of Joseph Parker's Power, His Speed is No Problem

By Duncan Johnstone

French boxer Carlos Takam says Joseph Parker and fighting in New Zealand hold no fears for him.

Takam and Parker clash in south Auckland on May 21 in an IBF heavyweight eliminator.

The winner will be the mandatory challenger and in line to fight the winner of this weekend's title fight in London between champion Charles Martin (US) and British challenger Anthony Joshua.

French heavyweight boxer says Joseph's Parker's speed and home town advantage don't bother him.

The 35-year-old Takam, a native of Cameroon, is busy training in Paris. 

"Joseph Parker ... I think he's a good guy, a good fighter. But I'm not scared of anyone," Takam, who has lost just two fights in a 36-fight professional career dating back to 2005, said.

He backed himself to handle Parker's trademark speed, an asset many critics believe will give the 24-year-old Kiwi an advantage next month.

Takam believes that will bring out the best in him.

"I like his speed ... it's good ... it's going to make me box fast again. I like boxing fast. He has good speed but it's no problem. His speed is no problem for me."

While Takam's management company tried desperately to have the fight held in Paris, they ultimately found the New Zealand package presented by Parker's backers Duco Events, too good to turn down.

But Takam isn't worried about travelling to the other end of the world to fight a bout of such importance.

"I don't care about fighting anywhere. If I have a big fight in New Zealand, New York or London ... I'll go anywhere. I'm happy to fight in New Zealand," he said.

Parker's handlers are in London to attend this weekend's IBF title fight and will be quick to make a move with the winner, trying to ensure an easier path moving forward in a sport clogged by politics.

Takam said he couldn't travel to London because he didn't want to disrupt his training schedule.

"I prefer to stay here in Paris and concentrate on my training."

Martin said if he had a preference to fighting either Martin or Joshua down the line,  he would like to fight Joshua.

Parker is continuing his buildup at his Las Vegas base.