Anthony Joshua defended his heavyweight world titles against Carlos Takam in a memorable championship fight at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on 28 October 2017. Competing in front of a huge crowd, the unbeaten British champion overcame a determined challenger to secure a technical knockout victory in the tenth round.
The contest was a demanding test for Joshua. Takam accepted the fight on short notice after the withdrawal of the original challenger, Kubrat Pulev, and proved difficult to discourage. Joshua landed the more decisive attacks, scored a knockdown in the fourth round and gradually increased the pressure.
The result allowed Joshua to retain his WBA (Super), IBF and IBO heavyweight titles and extend his professional record to 20 wins without a defeat at the time. However, the stoppage generated debate because Takam remained on his feet and protested the decision.
Fight Recap: How the Championship Battle Unfolded
Rounds 1–3: A Cautious Opening
Joshua began by using his jab, reach and size advantage to control distance. Takam looked to close the gap and find opportunities at close range.
Round 4: Joshua Changes the Momentum
The fourth round was the first major turning point. Joshua landed a powerful right hand that opened a cut above Takam’s right eye and dropped the challenger with a left hook late in the round.
Rounds 5–10: Pressure and Controversial Stoppage
Despite the damage, Takam refused to fade away. In round ten, after sustained pressure, referee Phil Edwards stopped the fight at 1:34, a decision that Takam immediately protested.
Fight Facts
| Fighters | Anthony Joshua vs Carlos Takam |
|---|---|
| Date | 28 October 2017 |
| Venue | Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales |
| Division | Heavyweight |
| Titles at stake | WBA (Super), IBF and IBO heavyweight titles |
| Official result | Joshua won by TKO - Round 10, 1:34 |
| Referee | Phil Edwards |
| Joshua's record after fight | 20 wins, 0 losses |
Final Verdict
Anthony Joshua vs Carlos Takam was a demanding heavyweight championship fight featuring a fourth-round knockdown, sustained pressure and a debated tenth-round finish. Joshua’s reach, power and combinations eventually brought the contest to an end, allowing him to retain the WBA (Super), IBF and IBO titles and improve his professional record to 20–0. Takam’s resilience made the fight memorable, while the referee’s decision ensured that discussion continued after the final bell.
Sources
- BBC Sport — Anthony Joshua stops Carlos Takam in round 10
- Reuters via Yahoo Sports — Joshua retains heavyweight titles
- The Guardian — Joshua made to work against Takam
- Anthony Joshua’s official YouTube channel — Full fight
Editorial note: This article is an independent historical fight report based on published coverage and recorded bout details. The embedded video is provided for viewing convenience; availability and rights remain with the video publisher and YouTube.
Comments
Post a Comment