Joshua in ‘difficult position’ as he faces Takam in place of Pulev

Nigerian-born Anthony Joshua will defend his IBF and WBA heavyweight world titles against Carlos Takam after Kubrat Pulev pulled out of the fight due to injury.

And boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn believes the last-minute change of opponent puts Joshua in a “difficult position” ahead of the fight scheduled to hold on October 28.

“Having prepared meticulously for the style and height of Pulev, he now faces a completely different style and challenge in Takam,” Hearn said.

“This hasn’t happened in his career before but he is ready for all comers on 28 October.”

36-year-old Takam has 35 victories, three defeats and one draw from his 39 professional fights, and is ranked third by the governing body.

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Hearn however revealed that he had told Takam and his team to be on standby in case something happened to Pulev.

“I received a call from [promoter] Kalle Sauerland late afternoon to inform me that Pulev had injured his shoulder and may be ruled out of the fight – this was later confirmed by his doctor,” Hearn added.

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

“When the Pulev fight was announced I made a deal with Takam’s team to begin camp and be on standby for this fight. When I called them this evening they were overjoyed and good to go.”

The bout, which holds at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, will be Joshua’s first fight since stopping Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium in April, adding the WBA title to the IBF belt he claimed in 2016.

 

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