"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," wrote promoter Eddie Hearn, who recently took to social media to confirm that Kubrat Pulev has indeed suffered an injury and will now be replaced by IBF #3 ranked contender Carlos Takam for Anthony Joshua's scheduled October 28 defense of his title.
Pulev suffered a "partial rupture of the thoracic muscle" nearly 10 days ago during a sparring session in training camp. Although there was initial hope that he would recover from the injury, an ultrasound today confirmed the severity of the tear, which will take at least a month to recover. In his place, Hearn has secured the services of Takam, who will attempt to pull off the biggest challenge of his career thus far with less than 2-weeks notice. Takam's most noticeable fights have been against current WBO heavyweight champion Jospeh Parker, who defeated him via unanimous decision, and former WBA heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin, who knocked him out in the 10th round.
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