Carlos Takam: A closer look at Anthony Joshua’s opponent

Cameroonian replacement is a durable fighter

Anthony Joshua will defend his heavyweight titles in Cardiff this Saturday night against Carlos Takam.

The Cameroonian-French fighter was a late replacement for Kubrat Pulev after the Bulgarian pulled out through injury.

You’ll be forgiven for not having heard too much about Takam. However, as the number three in the IBF rankings, he must be respected.

The Coral News Team take a closer look at the 36-year-old and examine whether he can trouble Joshua.

Strengths

With a record of 35 wins, 3 defeats, and a draw from 39 fights, Takam is certainly no joke. 27 of those wins came by knockout.

A former Olympian, the Cameroonian made his pro debut back in 2005.

He has been in with a couple of relatively big names in Alexander Povetkin and most recently Joseph Parker.

Both those fights ended in defeat, but in the latter bout, Takam showed his pedigree in going the distance with the Kiwi.

He had Parker wobbling a little through the middle rounds, too. Although ultimately just didn’t have enough to push through for the win.

During fight week, Joshua himself described his head as “like a block of cement”. Going on the fact Takam has only been stopped once in his career, that’s probably an apt description.

He’s powerful, and he’s durable.

Weaknesses