Joseph Parker vs. Carlos Takam: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info

Heavyweights Joseph Parker and Carlos Takam meet in Manukau City, New Zealand, on Saturday in a final eliminator for the IBF title.

Parker (18-0, 16 KOs) is one of the bright young things in a division that has come alive over the past year. He has power in the ring and is already a popular sporting figure in New Zealand.

However, he's yet to face a serious test in his pro career. With that in mind, the experienced Carlos Takam (33-2-1, 25 KOs) is an ideal opponent.

The winner of the bout will move to the head of the queue to face reigning IBF champion Anthony Joshua, provided the Englishman successfully retains the belt against Dominic Breazeale on June 25.

When: Saturday, May 21, at 10 p.m. local time (11 a.m. BST, 6 a.m. ET)

Where: Vodafone Events Centre, Manukau City, New Zealand

TV: Sky Arena (NZ), Main Event (Australia), Sky Sports (UK)

Live Stream: SkyGo (UK)

The Real Deal

Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Is Parker really good, or just good?

It is unlikely Saturday's fight will answer the above question, but it will offer an indication over the Kiwi's potential to prosper at the very highest level.

So far, he has made a habit out of flattening lesser opponents.

The only two fighters who have gone the distance with Parker are Brice Ritani-Coe—in a six-round contest in 2013—and Sherman Williams, a veteran who has lost plenty but is known for his durability.

Considering he has stopped 16 of 18 foes inside the distance, there's no reason to doubt Parker's power. It's his chin that needs to be tested.

As yet, we haven't found out if he can stand up to a shot. Takam is potentially the first rival who will fancy his chances of winning, rather than just fighting in survival mode.

Parker, however, is confident he can cope with what Takam—and any heavyweight in the world, for that matter—throws at him.

Per Richard Damerell of SkySports.com, the 24-year-old said: "A win gives me the chance to fight for a title. I have goals. I want to be the world champion and I'm not going to let anyone stand in my way."

While New Zealand may be better known for having a never-ending conveyor belt of rugby players, Parker's emergence has created plenty of interest in his homeland.

If he wins in style on Saturday, the rest of the heavyweight division will also sit up and take notice.

Right Time

At 35, Takam must realise opportunities to fight for major titles won't come around too often.

He is the kind of solid campaigner who will always find work, but this feels like a must-win contest if he has ambitions to be anything more than an in-demand journeyman.

Born in Cameroon but now based in France, Takam has victories over Michael Grant, Tony Thompson and Michael Sprott on his CV.

However, all three of those fighters were well beyond their sell-by date when Takam beat them.

His one previous attempt to prove himself at world level came in 2014, against Russian Alexander Povetkin. It did not end well.

In truth, he was holding his own through eight rounds. However, after being knocked down late in Round 9, he was stopped early in the next by a left hook that knocked him out cold.

Since then, however, he has reeled off three successive wins to keep his ranking high with the IBF.

Per Duncan Johnstone of BoxingScene.com, Takam has been sparring with New Zealander Junior Fa, who defeated Parker in a qualifier for the 2012 Olympics.

"It wasn’t a secret but I wasn’t trying to let everyone know," he said of the move.

Takam is right to get any advantage he can during the build-up. But, even with any additional information from Fa, Parker is a seriously big hurdle to clear.

Prediction

Sky Sports will show the bout live in the United Kingdom, giving Parker a chance to impress a whole new audience.

Joshua should also take an interest in watching a potential future opponent, although his biggest concern right now is preparing for the first defence of his IBF title.

Per Odds Shark, Takam is a 3-1 underdog. That price may be lower than some expected because of his toughness, rather than anything to do with his talent.

Parker will have to be patient in his approach. However, expect him to grind out a victory with a late stoppage.