Takam wants a rematch after Joshua stops him to retain IBF, WBA titles

Anthony Joshua, stopped a resilient Carlos Takam in the 10th round in the early hours of Sunday to successfully defend his IBF and WBA heavyweight world titles in Cardiff.

The Nigerian-born British boxer technically knocked out his opponent to make it 20 victories from as many bouts in front of an estimated 78,000 at the Principality Stadium.

Joshua’s nose was cut in the second by the head of Takam, 36, who replaced Kubrat Pulev 12 days before the bout.

Joshua, 28, then cut Takam’s eye in the fourth, but it took until round 10 for the Cameroon-born boxer to be stopped.

Takam, 36, was under pressure but not out on his feet and some inside the venue booed the stoppage.

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When asked whether the referee was right to stop the fight, Takam said, “No, I don’t think so.

“I don’t know why the referee stopped the match. I respect the champion and the UK fans, they are great fans and I am happy to box here. I don’t know why they stopped it.

“I want a rematch, I make my preparations with 12 days to fight Anthony. I want a rematch, I want to box him again, I want him, he is a great champion.”

Joshua, who said he had “no interest” in what the officials do, added: “I come to fight. I don’t sit on the edge and make decisions.

“It was a good fight until the ref stopped it, so I have the utmost respect for Takam.”

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