Boxing: Carlos Takam: Joseph Parker faster than Anthony Joshua

Joseph Parker in action against Carlos Takam in 2016. Photosport

Carlos Takam has given his verdict on the Joseph Parker v Anthony Joshua heavyweight world unification and believes the New Zealander has far quicker hand speed than the big Englishman.

Takam has lost to both men – to Parker by unanimous decision in Auckland in 2016 and to Joshua by a controversial stoppage at Cardiff's Principality Stadium last October, the venue for Joshua v Parker on March 31.

"Joseph Parker, the guy has speed, a lot of speed. I think his speed is faster than Joshua," Takam told Sky Sports UK.

"Joshua is strong, but Parker's speed is faster than Joshua and we're going to see what is going to happen in the fight - speed or strength.

"For me, those two are the best. I have respect for Parker, I have respect for Joshua. For me, they are two good fighters, two good boxers, two good champions."

Takam impressed hugely against Joshua because he was a very late replacement for the injured Kubrat Pulev. The French-Cameroonian was on standby but didn't spar before the fight and was only confirmed 12 days before it.

Despite that the 37-year-old's fitness and movement was excellent and he proved a durable opponent before being stopped in the 10th round. Many criticised the decision by referee Phil Edwards as while Takam was bloodied and receiving punishment from Joshua, he was on his feet and returning fire.

Takam told Sky Sports UK he would attend the Joshua v Parker clash and that he was keen to fight Englishman Dillian Whyte, who will step into the ring with Australian Lucas Browne in London on March 24.

Asked about Whyte's strengths, Takam replied: "That is a question for Dillian Whyte, not for Carlos Takam."

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