Carlos Takam (36-5-1, 28 KOs) figured to be a solid first test to see how the WBO cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (16-0, 12 KO) handled the new weight, and that fight could probably be rescheduled, depending on how bad Usyk’s injury really is and how long he’ll be out.
The 38-year old should fight Usyk in May 25 last year, but the fight had been canceled due to Usyk tearing his right biceps in training.
Takam said he could play a fight to remain active on July 20, in the sub-card of the main bout starring Dillian Whyte vs. Oscar Rivas at the O2 Arena in London.
“I will fight Usyk this time in September. But I still do not know if the fight will take place in Maryland or England, or anywhere else.” Takam told Express Sport.
“I will not wait. I will fight one more fight before fighting Usyk in September. I can take anyone, I do not worry. I am ready for anyone.” Takam added.
Recently, the WBO has made Usyk their mandatory challenger to the heavyweight crown, a decision that shocked a lot of people. Now, the Ukrainian is the mandatory challenger to Andy Ruiz (33-1-0, 22 KOs) who won the fight over Anthony Joshua April.
Usyk has largely dominated since turning pro in late 2013. He won his first world title in his 10th pro fight in 2016, taking the WBO cruiserweight belt from Krzysztof Glowacki in Poland. He added the WBC, IBF, and WBA titles by beating Mairis Briedis and Murat Gassiev, winning the World Boxing Super Series tournament in the process.
“It’s a big mistake. I heard he’s the mandatory contender for the WBO, and I was very shocked. Maybe because he did not fight in the heavyweight division, we’re all confused. I hope he will recover because I’m waiting for him for this game, and I know I’ll win. I will put it knockout!” Takam said.
“He’s a very fast guy because he’s not at his natural weight in this division. He’s a good boxer and I respect that, but he’s never hit a punch from a heavyweight, which I’m saying. Usyk, I’m waiting for you for September.” Takam added.
