Joseph Parker's opponent in this IBF heavyweight title eliminator, the 35-year-old Carlos Takam, represented a big step up in competition as well as in scheduled distance. Thanks in part to Takam's inability to maintain a consistent pace, especially in rounds 10 and 11 after Takam closed the connect gap to 89-87 overall and 75-67 power, Parker was able to navigate his way to a slim but deserved decision (116-112 twice, 115-113).

The critical stretch was in rounds 10 and 11 when Takam slowed from 42 punches to 25 and 33 in the next two rounds and was out-landed 20-11 overall and 11-6 power, which gave Parker some statistical breathing room as well as comfort in terms of his own pacing. Parker looked underwhelming in the early rounds and he was badly shaken in the fifth but to his credit he recovered and produced his most explosive rally in the middle minute of the eighth. Takam, however, roared back to stun Parker in the final minute and the final round proceeded in similar fashion.

Overall, a nice test of Parker's stamina and poise under pressure against his best foe but only future fights can truly gauge his quality amidst world-class, consistent attack.