Anthony Joshua to face Takam after Pulev pulls out

Anthony Joshua celebrates after knocking out out Wladimir Klitschko. Photo: Reuters / Peter Cziborra

Anthony Joshua celebrates after knocking out out Wladimir Klitschko. Photo: Reuters / Peter Cziborra

Published Oct 17, 2017

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LONDON - Frenchman Carlos Takam will fight Anthony Joshua for the IBF world heavyweight crown on October 28th after the original challenger Kubrat Pulev suffered a shoulder injury, fight promoter Eddie Hearn announced Monday.

Cameroon-born Takam, 36, is ranked third by the governing body and Hearn revealed he had told him to be on standby in case something happened to Pulev. 

The 36-year-old Bulgarian -- who lost his only world title fight to Wladimir Klitschko inside five rounds in November 2014 -- injured his shoulder sparring.

"I received a call from Kalle Sauerland late afternoon to inform me that Pulev had injured his shoulder and maybe ruled out of the fight -– this was later confirmed by his doctor," said Hearn in a statement issued on Monday.

"IBF rules state that the mandatory will go to the next fighter in line which is Carlos Takam.

"When the Pulev fight was announced I made a deal with Takam's team to begin camp and be on standby for this fight. When I called them this evening they were overjoyed and good to go."

Hearn said it would be tough for 27-year-old Joshua to adjust for the bout in Cardiff -- his fourth defence of the IBF crown -- as Takam is a very different fighter to Pulev. 

"It's a difficult position for AJ having prepared meticulously for the style and height of Pulev, he now faces a completely different style and challenge in Takam," said Hearn.

"This hasn't happened in his career before but he is ready for all comers on October 28."

AFP

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