Carlos Takam has promised Joseph Parker a "war" when they meet in Manukau next week and, going by the 35-year-old's physical shape, he looks well-qualified to provide one.
The French-Cameroon fighter, who will take on Kiwi Parker at the Vodafone Events Centre on Saturday week in an IBF heavyweight eliminator, was photographed at a Sky Television promotional shoot on the day of his arrival from Paris and appears as fit as he has ever been in his 36-fight professional career.
"It's very, very important to win the fight," Takam said. "I come here to New Zealand to win, not to lose. We're going to make a war."
A victory for either fighter will open the door to an IBF world title fight against either Anthony Joshua or Dominic Breazeale. For Takam, it will be an opportunity to make some serious money after a long career during which he has become known as a difficult and durable opponent. For 24-year-old Parker, it will be the continuation of a rapid rise in the paid ranks, a step towards a bout which could set him up for life.
"This is a very, very big challenge," Parker said. "This guy's not a joke. He's come prepared, he's been in the ring with some big names, so I know it's going to be a big challenge but I know it's a challenge I'm ready for."