Anthony Joshua vs. Carlos Takam IBF World Title Eliminator Discussed

Anthony Joshua’s dreams of becoming a world heavyweight champion could take a big step forward in the coming months, after it was confirmed he could fight Carlos Takam in a potential IBF title eliminator.

According to IBF championships chairman Lindsey E Tucker, Joshua is in line to land a chance to earn a shot at IBF king Charles Martin, per Richard Damerell of Sky Sports.

As noted by Damerell, Erkan Teper is currently ranked higher than the Brit in the IBF standings, but he’s recently tested positive for a banned substance which could potentially see him suspended. Tucker explained:

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Teper and Takam are the next two, but if there is a problem with either one, we would go to Joshua. If Teper is out, yes it will be Takam and Joshua. They will be fighting for the No 1 position, which is the mandatory challenge.

We would give them the standard 30-day negotiation period and then if they did not reach the decision we would call for a purse bid.

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“The IBF are waiting on a B sample test before sanctioning Joshua-Takam, which would see the winner become mandatory challenger for Martin,” added Damerell.

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Here’s a reminder of why Joshua, who has won all 15 of his professional fights inside the distance, has got so many excited about the heavyweight division once again:

In his last fight against Dillian Whyte there were some frailties exposed, as his compatriot caught him with some heavy shots and rocked the 2012 Olympic champion. But the fact Joshua was able to come through that testing spell and eventually emerge victorious with a stunning knockout said a lot about the temperament of the 26-year-old.

Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix thinks Joshua has shown all the requisite qualities to go to the very top of the sport:

According to his promoter Eddie Hearn, an announcement will be made on the heavyweight’s next opponent in the coming days, with Dereck Chisora, Joseph Parker and Bryant Jennings all having expressed an interest in facing Joshua, per Damerell.

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A bout against Takam would certainly be a test for Joshua. The 35-year-old has a lot of experience at the top level and has only suffered two losses in his 36-fight career. Since being brutally knocked out by Alexander Povetkin, he’s won three bouts in a row, including a victory over Joshua’s compatriot, Michael Sprott.

With Tyson Fury at the top of the division, David Haye back in action and Joshua making waves, it’s an exciting time for British heavyweights. Joshua may not be ready to go up against either of those two men quite yet, but going along the IBF route could be an ideal way to prepare for those kinds of superfights in the future.