ANTHONY JOSHUA revealed he has sparred with his COUSIN to prepare for heavyweight “fireworks” Carlos Takam.
Pro fighter Ben Ileyemi was the man that eventually convinced AJ to take his first step into boxing as a late starter at 18.
Their rumbles at Finchley & District Amateur Boxing Club sent Joshua on his way for a sell-out scrap at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday night.
With original opponent Kubrat Pulev pulling out through injury, Takam stepped in at just 12 days notice.
And AJ says he has been using Ileyemi to get himself ready for the hard-hitting Cameroonian in his 20th pro fight.
When asked if fighting Takam instead of Pulev could be more exciting for fans, AJ replied: “Probably.
EXCLUSIVE OFFER: BET £10 ON ANTHONY JOSHUA vs CARLOS TAKAM GET A FREE £30 BET
“I’ve got a cousin Benga who I spar with who’s built just like Carlos.
“I like to spar guys his size. I think our styles will create some real good fireworks.
“Carlos is a completely different animal but I don’t know I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Latest Anthony Joshua News
“Providing me and Carlos perform well, and I have to win, then we’re both winners.
“Vladimir Klitschko didn’t become three-time champions but he walked out a winner. We’re in the business of providing good fights. Let’s rock and roll.”
‘Benga’ has not fought professionally since a draw against Danny Fleary at the ExCel Arena in 2013.
But Joshua has been sparring with the the heavyweight at his old boxing club to “keep it real”.
AJ added: “The privilege is here. I’m around hungry athletes so I’m just a reflection of all their hard work.
“I was training with the kids that are like 10 years old at my gym before this fight.
TAK A BREATHER Fight fans less than impressed with Carlos Takam in public workout session, but boxer insists he can KO Anthony Joshua
“I used to go to all the boxing shows and I’d be asking for pictures and the guys would say ‘get out of the way.’
“Now it doesn’t take me more than an hour to make someone’s day. I spend as much time as possible with the fans.”
Takam, 36, admits the fight – which will be broadcast in over 60 countries – will be a life-changer.
He said: “It’s going to be a great fight that will change my life. But not from the person I am. I’m coming to win.”
Joshua v Takam betting: The expert's view
ANTHONY JOSHUA’S mantra was “I don’t get paid overtime” when he breezed up the divisions.
And he can safely make plans for Saturday night knowing that his fight against Carlos Takam will not go the distance.
He will win but the question is: When?
I like AJ to win in rounds 7-9, which pays out at 5/1 with Sun Bets. WALLY DOWNES JR
Leave a comment