Carlos Takam (40-7-1) rolled back the years on Saturday night and outfought, outboxed and defeated a confidence-lacking Tony Yoka (11-2). Takam handed the 2016 Olympic gold medalist his second consecutive defeat, which came off the back of a defeat to Martin Bakole last year. Takam would claim a controversial split decision, not in terms of who won but the fact that Yoka somehow managed to claim a winning scorecard to the amusement of reporters and commentators.
Takam, following the victory, immediately called out Martin Bakole (18-1) when speaking to Sky Sports.
Also, Takam has called on French boxing supporters to be less critical of Yoka, who was greeted by boos following his performance.
"I was not happy with that. Seriously that guy is an Olympic gold medallist. He was a world champion amateur. They cannot say that. You see when [Anthony] Joshua fights, everybody's behind Joshua. They say, 'Go, go AJ.' That guy, he needs support, I'm a big supporter. I'm a big fan of Tony," Takam told Sky Sports. "Because I've seen him grow up.
"I just want to say congratulations to Tony. Some people are going to say, 'Yes, he lost, he's finished.' No, he's not finished."
Takam did admit that he was worried regarding the contest being scored a split decision while he also confirmed that he had sustained a right shoulder injury during the final round.
"Of course, I was worried, because in the last round I hurt my shoulder. I could not move [his right arm]. I was like, 'Oh it's finished,'" Takam said. "Oh my God, what am I going to do? But I tried, I worked my jab, I worked my hook, my left hook. I tried everything to win that fight.
"I'm feeling good. I prepared really hard for that fight. I want to say in that camp, I worked like crazy," Takam continued. "Tony I have respect for him.
"I'm really happy for that victory because it was not easy."
