Carlos Takam has fired the first shot ahead of his world title elimination fight against Kiwi Joseph Parker in Auckland on May 21.
France-based Cameroon fighter Takam tweeted a message to Parker this morning saying he would knock out the South Aucklander at Manukau's Vodafone Events Centre, a provocation that Parker quickly responded to.
"I respect Joe Parker, unfortunately it was a mistake for him to take my challenge. I will knockout and show Parker a real man on 21 May," Takam wrote.
Parker responded: "My man talk is cheap. Let's get it on and let the [fist emoji] do the talking come May 21."
The details of the IBF fight were revealed by Parker's promoters Duco Events yesterday.
If Parker wins the bout he will face either Britain's Anthony Joshua or American Charles Martin in a world title fight.
Takam, beaten only twice in 36 professional fights, will be by far Parker's toughest opposition, but Parker, undefeated in 18 pro fights, said from his Las Vegas base yesterday he was looking forward to a true challenge.