IBF orders Joseph Parker vs. Carlos Takam eliminator bout

The winner of Charles Martin vs. Anthony Joshua will have a tough task ahead of him, as the IBF has ordered an eliminator bout between Kiwi blue-chipper Joseph Parker and veteran Carlos Takam.

Both camps have agreed to negotiate and have a limited period to do so before going to a purse bid. These orders also scrap Parker's planned fight on April 17th.

Parker (18-0, 16 KO), twenty-four, has established himself as one of the division's best prospects, showcasing serious power and speed as he tore through the Oceanian circuit. That said, he's yet to face an opponent anywhere near Takam's caliber. He's passed the eye test, but this is an abrupt step into the division's deep waters.

Takam (33-2-1, 25 KO), who turned thirty-five two months ago, has won three straight since getting pasted by Alexander Povetkin in 2014. He's a far cry from the likes of Bowie Tupou and Kali Meehan, owning a draw with Mike Perez and a win over Tony Thompson on his résumé.

As an interesting aside, both men knocked out the shambling ruin of Frans Botha within fifteen months of each other.

Too much, too soon for Parker, or does the Kiwi have the goods?