Carlos Takam

Takam vs Perez

Takam made his HBO debut on 18 January 2014 against Cuban Mike Perez. The fight started slowly, with little action in the first five rounds, however, Takam took over starting in round six, as he planted his feet inside and was able to work Perez over. The Cuban's arms got heavier and heavier as the fight went on, and he didn't seem to have his usual snap or speed . Takam was able to hurt Perez in round six and round ten.

BLH had the fight 97–93 for Takam, giving him rounds six through ten after a 3–2 start in Perez's favour. Official scores were 96–94 (Michael Buffer did not announce who got that card) and 95–95 two times for the majority draw.

Takam vs Thompson

On 6 June 2014 Takam took on Tony Thompson, (39-5-0, 26KOs) at the Palais des Sport Marcel Cerdan in Paris, France. The 33-year-old Takam aggressively took the fight to the 42-year-old Thompson. Thompson had some success counter-punching, but Takam’s relentless work-rate overwhelmed Thompson at times. Takam dominated the fight and began to punish Thompson more and more as the bout progressed. Takam won the fight by unanimous decision with scores of 117–111, 117–111, and 119–109 to win the vacant WBC Silver heavyweight title.

Takam vs Povetkin

In October 2014 Takam faced Russian Alexander Povetkin (27-1-0, 19KOs) at the Luzhiniki Palace of Sports in Moscow, Russia. In a close fight that was a contender for fight of the year, Takam lost the fight via 10th round KO after Poventkin landed a left hook to the head of Takam.

Takam fought three times in 2015. Defeating Marcelo Luis Nascimento and Michael Sprott by knock out and George Arias by unanimous decision in an eight round bout.

Takam vs Parker

On 21 May 2016 Carlos Takam fought Joseph Parker in an IBF heavyweight title eliminator. The winner would be required to fight for the world title against the reigning champion, Anthony Joshua of Britain. Prior to the fight being announced, Parker and his handlers twice avoided fighting Takam the previous year because of the risk involved.^[1] The fight took place with Parker winning a unanimous decision after twelve rounds, in front of a vocal home crowd at South Auckland's Vodafone Events Centre in New Zealand. Two judges scored it 116–112, and one at 115–113.^[2] Despite the result the fight was very close until the end with Takam landing painful and dangerous combinations of shots.^[3]

Takam’s first fight of 2017 took place on 29 January, when he faced Marcin Rekowski of Poland. Takam won the fight by fourth round knockout. He next fought in June 2017, Defeating Ivica Bacurin by knockout in the second round.

Takam vs Joshua

On 16 October 2017, Takam was made a late replacement to fight Anthony Joshua on 28 October at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, after Joshua's opponent Kubrat Pulev pulled out of their fight with a shoulder injury. Takam gave a brave performance and took Joshua 10 rounds before the referee stepped in and waved the fight off after Joshua landed a flurry of punches. It was seen by the majority as a premature stoppage and attracted a lot of criticism from the boxing public.^[4]

Takam vs Chisora

On 15 June 2018, it was confirmed that Takam would face Dereck Chisora on 28 July at The O2 Arena, London, England, on the undercard of Dillian Whyte vs Joseph Parker. Chisora knocked out Takam in the 8th round in an exciting battle, although Takam had dominated the early rounds and was ahead on the judges' scorecards when he was knocked out.