Joe Joyce vs. Carlos Takam betting odds, preview, and pick

Joe Joyce and Carlos Takam are set to face off in a hard-hitting heavyweight clash.

Before the big men take to the ring Saturday, July 24, get the inside scoop on the fight here at TwinSpires Edge.

Joyce closing in on title shot

Joyce has emerged as a player in the heavyweight division and is wasting no time as he nears a potential title shot. In his last performance, Joyce’s ramrod jab brutalized the highly regarded Daniel Dubois, en route to a 10th-round stoppage.

There is no doubt Joyce has the power advantage against Takam. All but one of Joyce's wins has come by knockout, and he has the bludgeoning power that can stop his opponents or leave lingering damage.

Takam has some life left

Takam is an aging but serviceable gatekeeper.

In his last fight, he upset Jerry Forrest by building a strong lead early, but he was totally gassed by the sixth round. The well-traveled Takam has faced off, in losing efforts, with the best the division and made a good effort at it.

But it seems like Takam is up against it. He is physically overmatched, and his conditioning is in decline, but he is an awkward fighter who can take a decent shot.

Takam's best chance is to stand in the pocket and catch Joyce with a counter shot.

Joyce will stop Takam early

Joyce is taller, stronger, fresher, and a harder hitter, so there is no reason he won’t go out there with bad intentions.

The key to Joyce’s strategy will be the same heavy jab that broke Dubois’ spirit and face. Those heavy shots will gas Takam, and he’ll be lined up for the goodnight shot in short order.

If Takam can somehow slip Joyce’s jab, he’ll buy himself some time and score some points. While Takam has been with some hard punchers, he doesn’t have the legs to go 12 rounds with a puncher like Joyce at this stage of his career.

A 1-2 should put Takam down, and he won’t want to get up, after he gets a taste of Joyce’s power. Joyce will wear Takam down and stop him within six rounds.

Boxing free pick: Joyce