Kubrat Pulev has pulled out of his Heavyweight title clash with Brit Anthony Joshua, after suffering a shoulder injury, just weeks before the bout which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 28th, at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Promoter Eddie Hearn, announced Pulev’s withdrawal from the fight via Twitter earlier this evening. Hearn also confirmed that IBF #3 ranked Carlos Takam, will replace Pulev, challenging Joshua for the IBF and WBA heavyweight title belts.
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
36-year old Takem, who hails from Cameroon by way of France had been on standby for the fight, according to fight promoter Eddie Hearn who made the following comment to the BBC about Pulev’s withdrawal and his replacement:
“I received a call from [promoter] 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,” he added.
IBF rules state that the mandatory will go to the next fighter in line, which is Carlos Takam.”
Anthony Joshua vs Carlos Takam airs live on Sky Sports Box Office on October 28th.