Joshua faces new opponent after injured Pulev pulls out

Carlos Takam has replaced Kubrat Pulev as the mandatory challenger for Anthony Joshua’s world title at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Oct 28, it was announced last night.

The Frenchman, rated at No 3 with the International Boxing Federation, has been on the hunt for a showdown with the Briton and gets his chance after Pulev picked up a shoulder injury in sparring.

“I received a call from 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,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “IBF rules state that the mandatory will go to the next fighter in line, which is Carlos Takam.”

As an amateur, Takam, 36, represented Cameroon in the superheavyweight division at the 2004 Olympics. He has a record of 35 wins, three defeats and one draw.

Hearn added: “When the Pulev fight was announced, I made a deal with Takam’s team to begin camp and be on standby. When I called, they were overjoyed and good to go. It’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.”

Joshua’s fight with Takam is part of a huge night where the 2012 London Olympic gold medallist’s bitter foe Dillian Whyte aims to take a giant step to his first world title shot by facing Robert Helenius for the WBC silver strap.