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Anthony Joshua faces Takam as new contender, Pulev withdraws with shoulder injury

Kubrat Pulev has withdrawn from the heavyweight match with Anthony Joshua owing to a shoulder injury he sustained in a build up to the match.

Joshua was set to defend his titles at the Principality Stadium in front of an 80,000 thousand crowd but the Bulgarian is said to have sustained an injury on his right shoulder in a build-up 10 days ago.

The 39 year old Bulgarian had tried to cover up the injury before it was discovered by a Bulgarian journalist and later confirmed by a doctor.

Promoter, Eddie Hearn, had intended to cancel the fight but IBF rules made a mandatory contender to emerge.

“IBF rules state that the mandatory will go to the next fighter in line which is Carlos Takam.”

“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,” Hearn added.

Carlos Takam is ranked third in the IBF ranking and becomes a compulsory contender for the fight but Joshua is likely to have a tough bout having trained and prepared with the weight, height and tactics of Pulev. He tackles a new style and tactic in Carlos Takam.

Takam, 36, has won 35 of 39 professional bouts and has lost thrice and drew once. He lost on points to WBO Champion Joseph Parker last year.

Anthony Joshua who took to professional boxing in 2013has remained unbeaten in all 19 bouts and is set to defend his WBA title against mandatory contender Luis Ortiz after his bout with Takam.

The Principality Stadium remains the venue for the bout which comes up October 28 in Cardiff.

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