Takam signs co-promotional pact with Top Rank

Top Rank signed former heavyweight world title challenger Carlos Takam to a co-promotional deal, the company announced on Wednesday.

Takam, who was born Armand Charles Takam, recently signed with Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and defeated Craig Lewis in a 10-round unanimous decision in the first bout of their partnership on Sept. 14. His next fight, which is tentatively scheduled for early 2020,

will take place on an ESPN platform.

"Carlos Takam is an exciting, world-class heavyweight who always makes for outstanding fights," Top Rank chairman Bob Arum stated. "I look forward to working with Joe DeGuardia and his team, as we believe Carlos has what it takes to reach the top of the division."

Takam (37-5-1, 28 KO’s), 38, a Las Vegas-based Cameroonian, had signed to face former undisputed cruiserweight world champion and 2018 FightNights.com Fighter of the Year Oleksandr Usyk in May, when the unbeaten Ukrainian was supposed to make his heavyweight debut. However, Usyk suffered a biceps injury and the bout was cancelled.

Top Rank has signed a number of top-caliber heavyweights this year, including lineal champion Tyson Fury, top amateur Jared Anderson on Tuesday, and now Takam, who suffered a 10th-round knockout at the hands of then-unified world titleholder Anthony Joshua in October 2017.

"Carlos and I are pleased to be joining forces with Top Rank and ESPN," DeGuardia said. "Carlos will have all the opportunities needed to rise to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division, and we are certainly looking forward to 2020."

Takam, who has won two bouts in a row following an eighth-round TKO at the hands of Dereck Chisora, is grateful for yet another opportunity to prove himself.

"I am grateful and excited for the opportunity in my quest to become the heavyweight champion of the world," said Takam, a 2004 Olympian.

"I would like to thank my team for the great job they are doing and all my fans all over the world for their support."

Takam also gave former title contender Alexander Povetkin a very tough fight in October 2014. However, he succumbed in a 10th-round knockout.