TheCable

Anthony Joshua says he does not want the “blemish” of getting defeated by Carlos Takam, his next opponent.

Having defeated Wladimir Klitschko, the boxer was on a mission to reunify the heavyweight category titles before Bulgarian Kabarat Pulev got injured.

Joshua, who is unbeaten in 19 fights, says he will not underrate Takam on October 28 in Leeds.

“In boxing, I think it’s a sport that’s unforgiving in the sense that, if Takam beat me, that loss will stay on my record for a lifetime, that will always be my legacy,” Joshua told Skysports UK.

“It’s not ‘oh, he was a world champion and he done well for the sport of boxing. No, no, no he was 19-1 – that’s Anthony’s legacy and I just don’t want that blemish on my record right now.”

“Takam is already as tough as they come. He’s so tough. He just keeps on walking forward and that’s disheartening for a fighter.

“When I’m in there with him, it will be interesting to see how game and ready he is, and what fire he is ready to go through.

“I’ve had some sparring partners that have been coming and trying to knock me out and I’ve had to dig in a bit and give them a few body shots back and so on.

“My inside game has definitely improved, so I think if we have to stand on the inside and start trading off, it will definitely be an entertaining fight for the people watching.

“People have said ‘Joshua what round?’ I think we’re going for a 10 to 12 round here you know. This guy’s head is like a block of cement.”