TheCable

Boxing champion Anthony Joshua may have to modify his plans after Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev pulled out of the anticipated heavyweight bout due to injury.

Eddie Hearns, fight promoter, says Joshua will defend his world heavyweight titles against French-Cameroon boxer Carlos Takam.

“I received a call from Kalle Sauerland late afternoon to inform me that Pulev had injured his shoulder and maybe ruled out of the fight – this was later confirmed by his doctor,” Hearn told Sky Sports.

“When the Pulev fight was announced I made a deal with Takam’s team to begin camp and be on standby for this fight.

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

“When I called them they were overjoyed and good to go.

“It’s a difficult position for AJ (Joshua) having prepared meticulously for the style and height of Pulev, he now faces a completely different style and challenge in Takam – this hasn’t happened in his career before but he is ready for all comers on October 28.”

The 29-year-old will now face Takam in front of a crowd of 80,000 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.

Who is Carlos Takam?

Takam, who turned professional in December 2005, is 36-years-old and 6ft 5in tall. He is rated No 3 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

His full name is Armand Carlos Netsing Takam and although he was born in Douala, Cameroon, he now fights for France.

He has lost only three of his 39 professional fights, 27 of which he won via knockout.

Takam represented France at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Greece but was beaten in the round of 16 by Egypt’s Mohamed Aly.

He lost his last world title challenge against Joseph Parker in 2016.