Carlos Takam has replaced Kubrat Pulev as the challenger to world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on 28 October after a shoulder injury forced the Bulgarian to withdraw. The Frenchman Takam, also 36, will replace him with less than two weeks’ notice, meaning Pulev will face a long wait to fight Joshua after also losing his status as mandatory challenger with the IBF. Having prepared meticulously for the style and height of Pulev, he now faces a completely different style and challenge in Takam,” said Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn. Joseph Parker’s wish for Anthony Joshua fight leaves Fury out in the cold | Kevin Mitchell Read more“When the Pulev fight was announced I made a deal with Takam’s team to begin [training] camp and be on standby for this fight. Takam is considered a less challenging opponent for Joshua than the taller Pulev, having previously lost to WBO champion Joseph Parker, Russia’s Alexander Povetkin and the little-known Gregory Tony.

Source: The Guardian October 16, 2017 21:48 UTC