Event of the Day: Anthony Joshua v Carlos Takam
Our event of the day
is Anthony Joshua’s defence of his IBF and WBA heavyweight world titles against Cameroon-born Frenchman Carlos Takam in front of nearly 80,000 people at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Joshua was originally scheduled to face Kubrat Pulev, however the Bulgarian had to pull out of the fight after injuring a pectoral muscle during training. This has provided somewhat of a curveball for Joshua, who has now had to train for a fighter who has a totally different style to that of Pulev. Takam is much shorter and is a fighter who likes to come forward aggressively and doesn’t mind exchanging blows. Although Joshua will be the favourite, it will be interesting to see how he responds to this late change. Boxing fans will recognise Takam as the fighter who took New Zealander Joseph Parker to twelve rounds in his most recent high-profile fight, back in May 2016, losing by a unanimous points decision.
Joshua’s last fight was a huge spectacle, knocking out boxing legend Wladimir Klitschko in the eleventh round of what was arguably one of the best heavyweight clashes in decades. It was one of the few times Joshua had been taken to the latter rounds, but if tonight’s fight goes the same way he will fancy his chances as Takam usually tires as the fight goes on. With 46 knockouts between the two fighters (including Joshua’s 100% KO record from his 19 fights) tonight should be an explosive encounter with Joshua favourite to successfully defend his titles whether the fight goes to the latter rounds or not.
Honourable mentions
around the globe go to the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. Both have enjoyed positive starts to the season, tied on 20 points, separated by goal difference in second and third respectively. With only one loss each in the leage this season it should be a close game. In MLB, it’s the fourth game of the World Series between the Houston Astros and the LA Dodgers at Minute Maid Park - Astros lead the series 2-1. In golf, it’s the third day of the PGA Tour WGC-HSBC Champions at Sheshan Golf Club while there are twelve NHL games going on, including the Buffalo Sabres versus the San Jose Sharks at KeyBank Center. Saracens host London Irish at Allianz Park in one of three Aviva Premiership fixtures and in tennis the ATP Erste Bank Open and ATP Swiss Indoors continue in Vienna and Basel respectively. The cycling Six Day Series enters its penultimate day in London and in Brazil it’s the Série A game between São Paulo and Santos at the Pacaembu Stadium. It is the FIFA Under-17 World Cup final with England taking on Spain at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, India.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Fixture
Photos by Anthony Joshua; Carlos Takam