Carlos Takam Stops Michael Grant In France

Cameroon-born 2004 Olympian Carlos Takam is the new World Boxing Federation Heavyweight champ as a result of taking the title off American Michael Grant Friday evening during the Gymnase du Clos de l’Arche in hometown Noisy-le-Grand, In France.

Takam took charge from the beginning, and was rapidly able to close the distance on his taller opponent before throwing plus connecting with well-timed hooks coming from each hand. Defending champion Michael Grant fought mainly on the back foot, and simply didn’t seem to have an answer to the smart boxing of the challenger.

In round four Grant eventually experienced some success and began to work harder, however Takam simply stepped it up himself and proceeded to dominate. The visitor relied mostly upon landing his powerful right hand, but experienced too little success to keep Takam off.

During round eight Takam landed a huge left uppercut which shook Grant to his boots. As Carlos Takam quickly followed up and landed another combination, the corner of Grant had seen enough and threw in the towel at the same time when referee Ingo Barrabas stepped in to wave it off. Time of the stoppage was 0:50.

The new world champ, whom improved his record to 28-1 (22), was ecstatic after completing their masterpiece, while Grant, now 48-5 (36), congratulated him for a job well done.

At the time of the stoppage judges Jean Marcel Nartz, Toni Tiberi plus Ernst Salzgeber had Takam clearly ahead with scores of 70-63, 69-64 and 70-62.

Joseph Germain promoted the fight.