By Duncan Johnstone

Carlos Takam clearly feels New Zealand heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker is a prospect rather than a world title contender right now.

Parker and Takam fight in south Auckland on Saturday night in an IBF eliminator - with the winner getting the mandatory right to challenge for the organisation's heavyweight belt, currently worn by Britain's Anthony Joshua.

It's a situation that has rushed up on the 24-year-old Kiwi, who has an unbeaten run of 18 fights over just three years as a professional.

Takam believes his time is now - a 35-year-old veteran who has carved a respected record of 33 wins, two losses and a draw over 11 years in the pro ranks.

Parker's trainer Kevin Barry labelled Takam the division's "boogeyman", a fighter no-one wanted to come knocking at their door because of his skills and durability.

Takam had no label for Parker but admitted some growing respect, although that will be left outside the ring on Saturday night as he looks to dictate terms.

The Paris-based Cameroon fighter conceded he knew little about Parker when this fight was ordered by the IBF. He was increasingly impressed as he trawled through tapes of Parker's fights – 16 wins have come via knockouts – though top-end experience is a missing ingredient for a fight of this stature.

"Before this fight I didn't know too much about Joseph Parker but having done my research I do think that he is a great young boxer. He has had a great career but he is in my path and I'm here to win," Takam said as the two fighters stood alongside each other at a media conference in Auckland on Wednesday.

"I think with time he is going to be one of the best but right now I'm here to win."

Pressed for whether this fight was coming too soon for Parker, Takam took a diplomatic line. "It's not up to me to judge whether he is ready or not, that's up to his entourage," he smiled

And Parker had quite an entourage in tow, with the promotion just down the road from his south Auckland home. Takam had just his trainer, promoter and a translator in his corner but cut an impressive figure and looked comfortable in the traditional stare-down with Parker, despite giving away four centimetres in height.

Takam felt he had acclimatised since arriving in Auckland early last week and did his best to win some fans, saying he loved rugby and had enjoyed watching the Super Rugby scene here as he followed the Hurricanes and Crusaders.

"It has been a little bit harder to continue my training here because obviously it's a lot easier to maintain your routine when you are at home. But I have been working hard and with time I have adapted and got used to the climate here. I'm feeling really good, it's been going well."

Takam has also called in local heavyweight Junior Fa, the last boxer to beat Parker, ending his Olympic hopes in 2012 and speeding up Parker's decision to turn professional.

"Sparring has gone really well and I thank him. It wasn't a secret but I wasn't trying to let everyone know," Takam said of using Fa.

Parker played that down. He felt Takam will have learned little from Fa at this late stage of preparations, believing all the work had been done earlier in their respective 12-week camps in Paris and Las Vegas.

Parker said it was now about maintaining fitness, sharpness, eating well and getting plenty of rest.

He welcomed the challenge that Takam presented, admitting it was a step up but one he felt ready to handle.

"I have a lot of respect for Carlos and what he has done in his career. He has been in the ring with some big names," Parker said.

"I'm just excited to be challenging someone like Carlos who is going to be a good name on my record if I do beat him.

"It's a big opportunity ... I'm taking it with both hands, I've done the work.

"A win gives me the chance to fight for a title. I have goals, I want to be the world champion and I'm not going to let anyone stand in my way.

"Come Saturday night, we're ready to do what we have to do and that's to get the victory."