A meaningful heavyweight boxing clash has been signed for Moscow, Russia on October 25th as Alexander Povetkin (27-1) faces Cameroonian boxer Carlos Takam (30-1-1). Both men hold regional or lesser WBC titles and are considered to be jockeying for position for a shot at Wladimir Klitschko. Look for Povetkin to open a strong favorite for the fight when the line hits the sport books.
Takam’s one career loss came back in June of 2009 while he was still fighting on the heavyweight circuit in his adopted home of France, so he has adjusted well to slightly better competition. Since 2012 he has defeated Franz Botha, Michael Grant, and Tony Thompson. his lone blemish was on the road in Canada, as he fought Cuban Mike Perez on neutral grounds to a draw. Takam is big, as he fought Tony Thompson weighing 257 lbs in his last outing and he is a good athlete with solid stopping power (23 KOs overall). He will have a weight advantage of perhaps 30 lbs on Povetkin.
By any standard however, Povetkin is a step up in competition for Takam. Povetkin brings with him an extensive and decorated amateur career, and though Takam represented Cameroon in the Olympics, it is doubtful that his amateur career stacks up to Povetkin’s. The lone blemish on Povetkin’s professional record is a 12 round UD loss to Wladimir Klitschko.
Takam did show good mettle in his draw with Mike Perez. Perez came out fast and won the early rounds, but Takam stayed together until Perez started to fade, and he put together a strong finish to the fight. Takam also went the distance with Tony Thompson, a match he won comfortably on the judges scorecards, so he has shown the ability to manage a twelve round fight.
But Povetkin is skilled enough that he may not let Takam get there. If the strategy is to absorb some damage and lose some rounds in order to wear out the big Russian, that is the wrong strategy. Povetkin has gone the distance twice since the end of 2011, once in his loss to Klitschko and another time when he defeated blown up Cruiserweight champion Marco Huck. Takam may be best served by coming out fast out of the gates and pressuring Povetkin, but he will be the underdog no matter what strategy he comes in with.
