-
Advertisement
SportBoxing

Late switch-up no problem for AJ as Frenchman Carlos Takam replaces injured Kubrat Pulev in world title bout

Briton will face number three challenger in his mandatory defence

Reading Time:1 minute
Why you can trust SCMP
Anthony Joshua’s manager Eddie Hearns had advised Carlos Takam to be ready to step in if need be. Photo: Twitter
Agence France-Presse

Frenchman Carlos Takam will fight title-holder Anthony Joshua for the IBF world heavyweight crown on October 28 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.
Anthony Joshua will now face Taka instead of Kubrat Pulev. Photo: Reuters
Anthony Joshua will now face Taka instead of Kubrat Pulev. Photo: Reuters
Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement

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

Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x