Words by Jason Cordner
IBF champion and British boxing superstar Anthony Joshua (19-0) was almost derailed when his mandatory challenger, Kubrat Pulev, pulled out due to a shoulder injury in sparring. However, it was announced that Carlos Takam (35-3-1, 27 KOs) has replaced Pulev for the fight at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on October 28, which will be aired live on Showtime. The #3 rated Takam is from France and has been looking for a showdown with Joshua.
“I received a call from [Pulev promoter] 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,” Hearn told Sky Sports News. “IBF rules state that the mandatory will go to the next fighter in line which is Carlos Takam.
Update.. Kubrat Pulev has a shoulder injury and is out. IBF install IBF No.3 Carlos Takam as mandatory..deal done to fight AJ on October 28
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) October 16, 2017
Joshua is the 2012 London Olympics Gold Medalist that became champion when he dismantled Charles Martin in the second round to start 2016. Joshua unified the IBF and WBA titles in April by stopping former champion Wladimir Klitschko in their fight-of-the-year candidate.
The world has been clamoring for a clash between the champion and WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, who faces mandatory challenger Bermane Stiverne on November 4th at the Barclays Center. The two are destined to meet in the future and with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s promoter, making aggressive moves like signing Danny Jacobs, it is pretty much a certainty.
Anthony Joshua is boxing’s next big star. He isn’t a household name in the United States, but that will soon change before 2017 is over.
