Joe Joyce vs. Carlos Takam - 24 July 2021

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release - Undercard Information

allegedly has delivered a spectacular undercard to support Joe Joyce’s big Heavyweight clash against Carlos Takam at SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday July 24, live on BT.

Beside’s Joyce’s WBO International, WBC Silver and Commonwealth Heavyweight championships being on the line, the Hall of Fame promoter has added three further title clashes.

There will be plenty of attention on Hamzah Sheeraz after former two-weight World champion Carl Frampton branded him Britain’s best prospect and added: “If he doesn’t go on and win a world title, I’ll eat my hat.”

Sheeraz (12-0, 8 KOs) makes the third defence of his WBO European title against Spaniard Ezequiel Gurria (15-1, 3 KOs).

Ilford’s Sheeraz, who is highly rated in the WBO rankings for Brian Castano’s World title, will be bidding for a seventh consecutive inside-the-distance win.

He won his title stopping Ryan Kelly in November 2019 and followed that up with impressive defences against Paul Kean and Guido Nicolas Pitto.

Swansea’s Chris Jenkins (22-3-3, 8 KOs) will finally defend his British and Commonwealth Welterweight titles against Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (14-0, 5 KOs) after recovering from injury.

They were due to meet back in March, but Jenkins who hasn’t boxed since a technical draw against Liam Taylor in November 2019 pulled out because of a perforated eardrum.

Essuman last fought in September 2020 when he outpointed Cedrick Peynaud to claim the IBF European crown.

In a well matched fourth title fight, Peacock gym ace Chris Bourke (9-0, 6 KOs) defends his WBC International Super-Bantamweight title against Bloxwich’s James Beech Jnr (12-1, 2 KOs).

Streatham’s Bourke has a reputation as a damaging puncher. His title winning performance when he hammered Michael Ramabeletsa inside two rounds last December is proof.

Beech isn’t an easy first defence. Beech Jnr pushed Brad Foster all the way in a British and Commonwealth title challenge 12 months ago before losing on points.

Warren said: “I am delighted with the undercard. All of the boys have a chance to make statements that show they are headline acts of the future.

“Hamzah is now training in California and from what I am told he is impressing everyone out there. He is a real sleeper in the Super-Welterweight division, and I am with Carl Frampton in believing he reaches the very top.

“Chris Bourke is a threat to any of the domestic Super-Bantamweights and I’m sure he would like to do better than Brad Foster did against James.

“I am relieved that Chris Jenkins will finally get another defence after a long layoff, and am delighted to get Ekow Essuman out again. Whoever wins this fight, be it Chris or Ekow, will be well placed to kick on and start looking at World level fights.

“It is a 50-50 fight and few will tip either with great conviction.”

There is also Heavyweight action featuring David Adeleye (6-0, 5 KOs), who’s opponent is TBC.

Elsewhere on the card, Mill Hill’s George Fox (3-0) will make his Queensberry debut, whilst Reading Super-Featherweight hope Charles Frankham (2-0, 1 KO) has also been added to the stacked bill.

‘The Gent’ Micky Burke Jr (4-0, 1 KO) also returns after his first stoppage victory in November last year.


Tickets are available NOW from AXS.com. Click here to buy tickets.

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£70 Floor/Tier
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£300 VIP Hospitality

[maverick23]

Another poor fight for Sheeraz. Glad Jenkins/Essuman is on though - Jenkins deserves a bit of luck after missing out on the Benn fight.

[magnus]

Boxrec has Chris Bourke vs James Beech for this card - good fight on paper.

[maverick23]

Boxrec has Chris Bourke vs James Beech for this card - good fight on paper.

Yep - decent fight.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Michal Soczynski To Make UK Debut on Joyce-Takam Card, July 24

POLISH hope Michal Soczynski will make his British debut on Frank’s bumper bill at SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday July 24, live on BT.

The explosive Cruiserweight is signed to Queensberry Poland and has won both professional fights in style.

Soczynski who hails from Lubin outpointed Piotr Rzyman on his debut last November, and in March knocked out Michael Czykiel inside a round.

Soczynski, won 108 of his 136 amateur bouts, was Polish champion in multiple age groups and captured a Bronze medal in 2016 at the European Junior championships.

He said: “I am excited to be boxing in London. British and Polish fans will like my aggressive style. There is a big Polish community in London and I am sure they will want to support me.

“Hard work is the most important thing and I train so, so hard. I am happy with the chance Mr Warren and Mr Krawczynski have given me.”

Mariusz Krawczynski who formed Queensberry Poland with Francis Warren last year added: “Michal is the main prospect right now at Queensberry Poland.

“Many Polish fans and boxing journalists expect him to become a World champion and I am in agreement with those."

Hall of Fame promoter allegedly says: “We have made good strides already with Queensberry Poland. My son Francis and Mariusz Krawczynski are identifying the top young talent.

“As part of the partnership Polish fighters will box on Queensberry shows and some of our young British fighters will experience fighting overseas in Poland.

“I am looking forward to seeing Michal in action. He is a great addition to what is already a quality bill on a huge night for British boxing with Tyson Fury facing Deontay Wilder in the early hours of Sunday morning.”

Heading the Wembley card is Joe Joyce (12-0, 11 KOs) who defends his WBO International, WBC Silver and Commonwealth Heavyweight championships against former World title challenger, Carlos Takam (39-5-1, 28 KOs).

Hamzah Sheeraz (12-0, 8 KOs) makes the third defence of his WBO European title against Spaniard Ezequiel Gurria (15-1, 3 KOs).

Swansea’s Chris Jenkins (22-3-3, 8 KOs) risks his British and Commonwealth Welterweight titles against Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (14-0, 5 KOs).

In a well matched fourth title fight, Peacock gym ace Chris Bourke (9-0, 6 KOs) defends his WBC International Super-Bantamweight crown against Bloxwich’s James Beech Jnr (12-1, 2 KOs).

There is Heavyweight action featuring David Adeleye (6-0, 5 KOs) and Mill Hill’s George Fox (3-0) who makes his Queensberry debut. Both face opponents to be named.

Reading Super-Featherweight hope Charles Frankham (2-0, 1 KO) and Polish Cruiserweight Michal Soczynski (2-0, 1KO) complete the bill.

[margaret thatcher]

polish fighters have mostly been disappointing the last few years tbh

a lot of them look pretty good vs lower level opposition, but then bleh when they step up

[gregregegg]

Takem supposedly has more reach than Joyce. Wild stat, takem must be able to tie his shoes without bending down.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Carlos Takam: "I'm Ready For Joe Joyce - I Will Be a Problem!"

Heavyweight Carlos Takam has sounded a warning to Joe Joyce ahead of their collision at the SSE Arena, Wembley on July 24.

The Las Vegas-based Frenchman, 39-5-1, landed on Friday ahead of his fourth assignment on British soil against the unbeaten 12-0, 2016 Olympic silver medallist who is on the cusp of being put forward as mandatory challenger by the WBO for the world title held by Anthony Joshua - and soon likely to be defended against Oleksandr Usyk.

The upbeat Joyce, 35, known as the Juggernaut, has promised to 'run over' the two-time world title challenger in the sequel to his memorable derailing of Daniel Dubois at the end of November. Takam responded by questioning if Joyce possesses the experience to be making such bold predictions.

Takam was greeted at Heathrow Airport by interviewer Dev Sahni, who got the experienced Takam's thoughts about his upcoming bout.

"He said he is going to run me over?" said the 40-year-old with a hearty chuckle. "I say good luck and I will see you on 24th July! I don't think he is experienced enough to take out someone like me and this is going to be a big fight for him.

"I don't want to say it is a small fight or an easy fight because every fight I treat the same. I am here because I am prepared and ready for this fight and I am coming to win. Everybody says he is a tough guy so I am here and ready for that."

Takam was also bemused, rather than concerned, over claims from Joyce's manager Sam Jones that he has been keeping tabs on his sparring sessions in Las Vegas.

"Really! He said that? So he's been seeing my sparring - what the hell! That is good but, for me, I am not going to speak about what they say. I don't care what a manager says about me because I am just focused for the fight.

"The only thing I want to say is 'let's do the job on 24th July. I am ready for then. Joe Joyce, I am coming'.

"I don't want to say they have made a mistake picking me. This is a good opportunity for Joe Joyce and a good opportunity for me to fight in the UK, where they have made a good thing out of boxing.

"Joe Joyce, I am ready for you and I am a problem."

[Ruthless-RKO]

Joyce: I’ll be going for the knockout

Heavyweight Joe Joyce (12-0, 11 KOs) visited Wembley Stadium, the scene of Sunday’s loss by England to Italy in the Euro Championships. “The Juggernaut” stated his intention to stop Carlos Takam at the adjacent SSE Arena on July 24. Joyce-Takam has the date all to themselves thanks to the postponement of Fury-Wilder III.

“I’ll be going for the knockout finish and that is what I am planning to do,” said Joyce.

Joyce knows the route to heavyweight glory that has been plotted for him. Take out Takam and he will be made mandatory challenger for the WBO world title soon to be contested between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk. So the stakes are mighty high for the 35-year-old known as ‘The Juggernaut’.

“I will happily take on whoever wins, but I would love the opportunity to fight Joshua. I think he will want to fight (Tyson) Fury so we will have to see what happens there, but I am on the WBO track and looking to be made mandatory.

“I think Usyk could be a tricky fight for Joshua, but he should knock him out sooner or later you would think. It is heavyweight boxing, so you never know, but Usyk is no joke. He is an Olympic gold medallist, a very skilled southpaw, so he will probably pose Joshua problems with his good footwork and ringcraft.

“I do think Joshua will get to him, sooner or later,” added the Putney native who, given the delays involving the other leading heavies, will be bidding to put an early marker down in the division with an impressive and eye-catching display against Takam.

“Yeah and that is why I chose Takam as a good move for me. It is all about getting the right fights and I think this is one to get people talking. It will keep me ready too for when I get my turn to fight for the world title.

“He is a respected opponent who has been in with the best, like Joshua and also Chisora, who has been mentioned to fight me but I don’t think he wants it. It is going to be a great fight,” he added, pointing out that both versions of The Juggernaut could be required – the one who ploughs forward and the more nimble and skilful one we witness against Daniel Dubois.

“Maybe you will see a bit of both, depending on which Takam turns up, although I think I know what kind of style he will have. Whatever works to get me the win is what you will see. It is going to be a tough test and a real hard fight, also good stylistically to watch. So tune in!”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Joe Joyce preparing for “Evander Holyfield” style Carlos Takam headbutts

Joyce gambles his World Heavyweight title future when he risks the WBO International, WBC Silver and Commonwealth crowns against Takam at SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday July 24, live on BT Sport.

Takam’s head work has caused problems for opponents in the past including Anthony Joshua when they clashed in Cardiff in October 2017.

Joshua came through the IBF and WBA World title defence in the tenth round but had difficultly breathing throughout when Takam’s head clattered into his nose during the second round.

Joshua compared Takam to Evander Holyfield when he brought his head up, and said afterwards: “It was harder than a punch – bone on bone.”

Joyce is aware of the dangers especially as he is 6ft 6in tall and has a five inch height advantage over his Cameroon born rival.

Putney’s Joyce said: “It is possibly tactics and his height, but I am prepared.

“We have been working in training on countering that head butt. I am not going to reveal my secrets.

“It’s going to be a tough one, but I think I can get the job done. I am here, ready and waiting.

“I’m definitely going to try and knock out Takam. I think I will find a way sooner or later to get to him.

“Carlos is perhaps the best I have fought. He is always in shape, he is strong, he is durable and you know he can do the rounds.

“He is a problem I will have to deal with on the night and I will.”

Three further title clashes will take place on the undercard of Joe Joyce v Carlos Takam for the WBC Silver and WBO International titles at the SSE Arena, Wembley on July 24.

Hamzah Sheeraz (12-0, 8 KOs) makes the third defence of his WBO European title against Spaniard Ezequiel Gurria (15-1, 3 KOs).

Swansea’s Chris Jenkins (22-3-3, 8 KOs) will finally defend his British and Commonwealth welterweight titles against Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (14-0, 5 KOs) after recovering from injury.

In a well matched fourth title fight, Peacock gym ace Chris Bourke (9-0, 6 KOs) defends his WBC International super-bantamweight title against Bloxwich’s James Beech Jnr (12-1, 2 KOs).

There is also heavyweight action featuring David Adeleye (6-0, 5 KOs), while Mill Hill’s George Fox (3-0) will make his Queensberry debut. Reading super-featherweight hope Charles Frankham (2-0, 1 KO) has also been added to the stacked bill., along with ‘The Gent’ Micky Burke Jr (4-0, 1 KO) who also returns after his first stoppage victory in November last year.

Tickets are available NOW from AXS.com. Click here to buy tickets.

£50 Tier
£70 Floor/Tier
£100 Floor
£150 Floor

[handsofstone]

Not the worst match up for Joyce, another name i suppose but it does have that air of inevitability about it, Joyce is 35 and his matchmaking has been on point, i just want to see him with a young legit contender, Dubois obviously was young and a contender but im talking seasoned but not old, Takam on a run of wins, just beat Jerry Forrest so at least his ambitions still there

Joyce should bust him up and take him apart, Takam might take him late but reckon he still gets stopped

[Boxerbeetle]

Really good ticket prices tbf, would go if I lived closer.

[THEBUTCH]

Really looking forward to Joyce v Takam

Pick of the undercard is Bourke v Beech Jnr

[Cyclops]

Really good ticket prices tbf, would go if I lived closer.

Me and some mates are going. Warren shows almost never sell out: I've found myself in better seats than I've paid for more than once, so fingers crossed.

[keirw]

Looks a solid card, although I can see Joyce vs Takam being a frustrating watch.

Takam has a solid chin and knows how to dip low and make himself hard to hit.

The only guys who have KO'd him have been shorter fighters whom it is harder to duck down from.

Joyce will likely be punching down onto the top of Takams head mostt of the bout and will probably have to bludgeon his way to a lopsided decision.

[Cyclops]

Looks a solid card, although I can see Joyce vs Takam being a frustrating watch.

Takam has a solid chin and knows how to dip low and make himself hard to hit.

The only guys who have KO'd him have been shorter fighters whom it is harder to duck down from.

Joyce will likely be punching down onto the top of Takams head mostt of the bout and will probably have to bludgeon his way to a lopsided decision.

I've got a funny feeling it will be points too. But Joyce has shown that he can fight to a gameplan now he's stepped up in opposition, and he's not just trying to outwork or steamroll people anymore, so we'll see what happens.

[jameswilson]

Beating Takam on points is no failure at all. This should be a very good workout for Joyce and credit to him for taking this kind of fight while waiting for a mandatory spot.

Joyce mixes it up to head and body well so he may well break Takam down downstairs.

[maverick23]

Really good ticket prices tbf, would go if I lived closer.

Me and some mates are going. Warren shows almost never sell out: I've found myself in better seats than I've paid for more than once, so fingers crossed.

Just listened to an interview with him. Apparently they’re set up for 6,000 there (due to Covid which I think is BS given the rules now) which he expects to sell. Loads of tickets seem to be available still.

Will be interesting to see how many do go to it.

[KiwiRider]

Well I'm glad some of you lot are looking forward to this.
I can't even get slightly interested.
Takam was a good gatekeeper and would have been a suitable opponent for Joyce about 3 years ago.
Now at 40 years old, and losing to anyone on the up, what is the point exactly?

[margaret thatcher]

the only guy to beat takam without much fuss was aj, and despite his age he's on a decent win streak. i dont mind it

[KiwiRider]

the only guy to beat takam without much fuss was aj, and despite his age he's on a decent win streak. i dont mind it

Ever since Joyce turned pro, there should have been a sense of urgency given his age. Sure there is a pandemic, one would hope Joyce fights every other contender he can- to give himself the best chance of a title fight once AJ/Fury/Wilder sort themselves out.
Whyte should be top of his list...

[DrDuke]

the only guy to beat takam without much fuss was aj, and despite his age he's on a decent win streak. i dont mind it

His win streak includes only journeymen though. His win over Jerry Forrest was quite lackluster. And that was a year ago. Not a good situation for a 40 year old guy.

I expect Joyce to KO Takam without any troubles at all.

[margaret thatcher]

he deserved 8 or 9 rounds over forrest, that aint bad, you had forrest beating zhang and he shouldve also gotten the w over franklin

takam has always put up a good fight and its not like joyce has proven some absolute beast crusher who has 0 problems vs good opposition. the fight vs jenn was competitive (joyce even got hurt) and the fight vs dub was close to even until the end. i missed the part where joyce proved himself to simply be way beyond facing someone like takam

[handsofstone]

Chris Jenkins defends his British and Commonwealth Welterweight titles against unbeaten Ekow Essuman on the undercard, decent match up stylistically, the question is does Jenkins get cut before or after 4 rounds have been completed?? He's got to be the unluckiest fighter I've ever seen in all my time watching boxing when it comes to cuts, even last time in the Taylor fight, he got dropped in the 1st, was coming back into things then Taylor was dangerous with the head and Jenkins came off worst, he was just lucky it happened in the 3rd so he retained his titles with a TD


Essuman a boxer, doesn't carry power or look that strong from what i remember , has a win over Nurse, its hard to predict this one because i can only imagine Jenkins getting cut again, I'll say Essuman by tech decision

[unknownman79]

Joyce now wbo no 1.