Joshua successfully defended his world heavyweight championship belts last night against a determined and resolute Takam who provided a stern test for the British boxer.
The 36-year-old was a last-minute replacement for Kubrat Pulev, given just 12 days to prepare for the fight.
But Takam’s stock undoubtedly rose as he took Joshua to 10 rounds before the referee stopped the fight, much to the disappointment from the Cardiff crowd.
He troubled Joshua in the second round, albeit accidentally, when his head collided with the defending champion, leading to blood streaming down his face.
It clearly disrupted Joshua and Takam looked to take advantage but it wasn’t long until the former regained control of the fight.
The Cameroon-born boxer was knocked down in the fourth but was saved by the bel after getting back to his feet.
And he came close to being the first to taking Joshua the full distance only for the referee to stop the bout in the 10th round after a flurry of shots from the 28-year-old.
The crowd inside the Cardiff stadium were very vocal in their disproval of the stoppage and Froch was on their side, stating he wanted to see a ‘barbaric’ finish.
“He was definitely saved from further punishment,” Froch told Sky Sports.
“I think the sensible people that watch boxing would not argue with that stoppage.
“The barbarians, and I’m a barbarian – I like barbaric finishes and I have always done.
“But the fight could have gone on so it’s subjective.”