Joshua to face Carlos Takam after Pulev pulls out with injury
Published:
Anthony Joshua will now face Carlos Takam after news emerged that Kubrat Pulev had suffered an injury just two weeks out from their heavyweight clash.
The Bulgarian reportedly damaged his shoulder in training which left the door open to Takam, the next in line as the IBF’s mandatory challenger.
Joshua is still heavy favourite to win at 1/50, with Takam a huge underdog at 12/1. The draw is at 33/1.
The Cameroonian-French fighter has been on the heavyweight circuit for over a decade now with nearly 40 bouts behind him.
With a record of 35-3-1 (27 KO) he’ll be an awkward proposition for Joshua. He’s reasonably durable and took Joseph Parker all 12 rounds in a defeat to the Kiwi last year.
However, Takam is much smaller than Joshua, standing at six inches shorter. He’s also eight years older than the Briton.
He should be in shape, though, considering Eddie Hearn reportedly had him on standby should Pulev pull out for any reason.
Stranger things have happened in the boxing game, but this really should be a straightforward fight for Joshua.
The dangerous Pulev would have been a good test. It remains to be seen whether the Bulgarian will get another shot.
Potential bouts with Parker and Deontay Wilder could also happen, and that’s what Hearn will be gearing his champ up for in the medium term.
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All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
