There has been a change of opponent for unified heavyweight titlist Anthony Joshua’s upcoming title defense, twelve days out from its October 28th date. Following a shoulder injury to mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev, Carlos Takam will step in on short notice. That is a much better substitution than I would have thought possible with under two week’s to go.
Thankfully, this fight will still satisfy Anthony Joshua’s (19-0, 19 KOs) need for a mandatory defense from the IBF as Carlos Takam (35-3-1, 27 KOs) is their next highest rated contender. As for who Takam is, he took a meaningless early career loss, but otherwise he has only been defeated by Alexander Povetkin and Joseph Parker. Both of those fights were very closely contested with Povektin stopping him late and Parker having just a bit more youth and gas to win on the cards. His best win is probably over Tony Thompson.
As much as I think Pulev is a better fighter and would probably outpoint Takam, I actually think the Cameroonian heavyweight presents a slightly better style matchup for Joshua. I suspected the Bulgarian would fold in a few rounds, but Takam is quite durable. Yes, Povetkin stopped him after ten grueling rounds, but the Russian is a known PED user and that fight likely had pretty relaxed testing. I don’t think either fighter stands much of a chance, but Takam will likely be around longer and therefore have a better chance of landing that one lucky shot that is always available at heavyweight.
The October 28th show will go on thanks to Carlos Takam. I think it might be better for it too.
