Matchroom Boxing promoter confirms that Kubrat Pulev is out of the fight against Anthony Joshua.
Luckily the event itself won’t be cancelled.
Joshua will now face third ranked IBF challenger Carlos Takam and challenge ‘AJ’ for the WBA, IBO, and IBF belts.
“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. IBF rules state that the mandatory will go to the next fighter in line which is Carlos Takam,” said promoter Eddie Hearn according to the press release.
“When the Pulev fight was announced I made a deal with Takam’s team to begin camp and be on standby for this fight. When I called them this evening 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 – this hasn’t happened in his career before but he is ready for all comers on October 28,” commented Hearn.
Update.. Kubrat Pulev has a shoulder injury and is out. IBF install IBF No.3 Carlos Takam as mandatory..deal done to fight AJ on October 28
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) October 16, 2017
Confirmed: Pulev out. Joshua now faces Takam on Oct 28 in Cardiff. Great that they've managed to find a good replacement on short notice.
— Sheldan Keay (@SheldanKeay) October 16, 2017
Eddie Hearn says he made a deal with Carlos Takam's team to be on standby in case Kubrat Pulev pulled out when they first signed the fight.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 16, 2017
Pulev out with a shoulder injury. Carlos Takam in against Joshua on Oct. 28. Very solid replacement
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) October 16, 2017
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