Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will defend his IBF world title against Carlos Takam after Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev withdrew due to a shoulder injury.
(Reuters) – Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will defend his IBF world title against Carlos Takam after Bulgaria&rsquo-s Kubrat Pulev withdrew due to a shoulder injury.
The 28-year-old will take on Frenchman Takam in Cardiff on Oct. 28, in his first bout since defeating Wladimir Klitschko to win the WBA title in April.
&ldquo-I received a call from Kalle Sauerland … to inform me that Pulev had injured his shoulder and maybe ruled out of the fight – this was later confirmed by his doctor,&rdquo- promoter Eddie Hearn said in a statement.
&ldquo-IBF rules state that the mandatory will go to the next fighter in line which is Carlos Takam.&rdquo-
Takam is ranked third in the IBF rankings and Hearn believes Joshua will face a tough challenge against the 36-year-old.
&ldquo-It&rsquo-s a difficult position for AJ having prepared meticulously for the style and height of Pulev, he now faces a completely different style and challenge in Takam – this hasn&rsquo-t happened in his career before but he is ready,&rdquo- Hearn added.
Joshua is undefeated in 19 fights since turning professional in 2013 and will face Cuban Luis Ortiz, the mandatory challenger for his WBA title, after the Takam fight.
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