Boxing: Parker's speed will suit me - Takam

Joseph Parker's speed has proven too tough for many opponents to counter. Photo / Nick Reed

Carlos Takam, the man standing between Joseph Parker and a world heavyweight title shot, says he's not concerned about the New Zealander's speed and if anything it could help him during their clash in Auckland next month.

Takam, said from Paris today that he also had quick hands, that he wasn't scared of 24-year-old Parker, and that he was looking forward to the long trip downunder for the IBF heavyweight world title eliminator at Manukau's Vodafone Events Centre on May 21. He will arrive a fortnight before the fight.

"I like his speed, it's good," Takam said. "I like to box with speed. He has good speed but his speed is no problem for me.

"If I have a big fight in New Zealand or New York or London, I go to fight. I'm happy to come to New Zealand to fight Joseph Parker."

Takam, the 35-year-old from Cameroon who has lost only twice in 36 professional fights, said he was training twice a day for the fight against Parker, the winner of which will face either Britain's Anthony Joshua or American champion Charles Martin for the IBF heavyweight title.

Joshua and Martin clash in London on Sunday morning NZT, but Takam said he wouldn't be travelling the short distance for the fight because of his training commitments.

"Normally I would go to England to watch the fight but I don't want to go because I have my training to do. I prefer to stay here in Paris to concentrate on my training."

He said he hopes Joshua wins as he would prefer to face the Olympic champion, rather than Martin. A fight against Joshua, who is building a big fanbase in Britain, is also likely to be more lucrative.

Parker's promoters Dean Lonergan and David Higgins will travel to the Joshua fight and will seek meetings with his promoter Eddie Hearn afterwards. Las Vegas-based Parker, undefeated in 18 professional fights and preparing for the biggest challenge of his career, will not be travelling for it.