Carlos Takam has replaced Kubrat Pulev as the IBF mandatory challenger for Anthony Joshua at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on October 28, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Frenchman Takam is rated at number three with the governing body and has been on the hunt for a showdown with the British star, and gets his golden chance at ripping away Joshua’s titles in the Welsh capital after Pulev picked up a shoulder injury in sparring.
By Jim Dower: Kubrat Pulev’s shoulder injury has caused him not only to lose out on his previously scheduled October 28 fight against IBF/WBA heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (19-0, 19 KOs), but he’s also lost his mandatory position with the International Boxing Federation, according to Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn.
By Jeff Aranow: Matchoom Sport promoter Eddie Hearn has verified that he’s going to have IBF/WBA heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (19-0, 19 KOs) defend his title against #3 IBF Carlos Takam (35-3-1, 27 KOs) to salvage the October 28 card and to replace the injured IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev (25-1, 13 KO).