Carlos Takam to Replace Jarrell Miller
Once news hit the press that heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (23-0-1, 20 KO’s) had failed yet another drug test, it had a significant ripple effect. Naturally, he was pulled from the July 9 main event he was set to appear in for his 2020 return.
Had Miller made it to the ring, he would have faced the challenge of Jerry “Slugger” Forrest (26-3, 20 KO’s) on ESPN. Now, Top Rank needed to improvise in a hurry to find a suitable replacement to save the date. Thankfully, former title contender Carlos Takam (38-5-1, 28 KO’s) is ready and willing!
Apparently Takam was preparing for a July 14 bout with Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (26-1, 18 KO’s). However that bout went belly up when Rivas pulled out siting an elbow injury. Upon hearing this news, Forrest’s promoter Lou DiBella stated they were willing to take the challenge.
“Jerry is prepared to fight on that date. I’m gratified that Top Rank is working hard to secure a quality opponent. I’ve heard that Carlos Takam is in the mix and we have approved him.”
Takam is known for being a late replacement for IBF mandatory Kubrat Pulev in 2017. The Bulgarian was set to face unified champion Anthony Joshua but had to withdraw due to an injury. The fighter from Cameroon gave Joshua a bit of trouble before being stopped in the tenth.
He also had a war against top contender Dereck Chisora the following year before getting stopped in the eighth round of that bout.
By: Bakari Simpson
