Undefeated IBO, IBF & WBA Heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua (19-0 19KOs) is set to defend his titles against contender Carlos Takam, (35-3-1 27KOs). The fight was a short notice change in opponent as Kubrat Pulev who originally was set to take the ring with Joshua, had to withdraw with a shoulder injury. The change in opponent has not changed who the favorite is to win the bout and looking at Betway Insider it has not at all affected Joshua’s odds of being named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Joshua has had an incredible rise in the sport, going from Olympic gold medalist, world title holder and now the recognized heavyweight champion of the world. He is coming off an impressive win over long-time world champion Wladimir Klitschko in a fight that saw the now 28-year-old Joshua climb off the canvas to knock out Klitschko in one of the best fights of 2017.
The fight with Carlos Takam is a mandatory defense for Joshua and it’s a match most expect him to win by knockout. Takam, 36, has been in the ring with world class heavyweights like Alexander Povetkin and Joseph Parker and has wins over former world title challengers Tony Thompson and Frans Botha. While he is a quality heavyweight, he has not shown himself to be anything more than a fringe contender.
While Joshua’s fight with Takam is not expected to provide the thrills of his last bout, the fight is a sell-out at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff Wales and might set up a much bigger fight in the spring, as a unification bout with WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is a fight boxing fans really can’t wait for.
Joshua vs. Wilder would pin two undefeated heavyweight champions against each other and would be one of the biggest heavyweight title fights of the year. Some have put Joshua as the early favorite to win that match, but most have the bout as a 50/50 fight between two of the biggest hitters in the division.
The future of Anthony Joshua is looking strong and he has the opportunity to become a crossover star in the united states if he keeps winning and producing highlight reel knockouts, the next of which is expected on October 28th.
Joshua is a really special fighter. He has it all. When he comes to America I think that will take him to the next level. I feel bad for Takam, because he is going to get wiped out like he’s nothing
This man is the future of boxing. He was tested and passed. Watch him and see the sport grow in the years to come.