Anthony Joshua wins carlos Takam in Cardiff see full details

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Joshua vs Takam LIVE from Cardiff

ANTHONY JOSHUA has become a global star since first winning a world title in 2016 and defended his belts once again against Carlos Takam in Cardiff.

France's Takam stepped up as a late replacement for Bulgaria's Kubrat Pulev, who withdrew last week with a shoulder injury.

But Takam had already been in training for a fight and was on a pre-contract to step in if Pulev did indeed pull out.

Meanwhile, the undercard will feature Kal Yafai's title defence, Katie Taylor going for global glory and a much-anticipated match-up between heavyweight contenders Dillian Whyte and Robert Helenius.

Express Sport will be ringside to bring you all the action live from the Principality Stadium.

Joshua vs Takam LIVE - latest updates from Cardiff

11.15pm: The round of appluase for Takam is deservedly generous. He fought bravely through that injury and showed plenty of heart and determination.

ROUND TEN

ANTHONY JOSHUA WINS! CARLOS TAKAM IS STOPPED ON HIS FEET!

Another flurry of hooking punches from Joshua leaves Takam rocking and the referee steps in to wave it off. 

ROUND NINE

Another consultation with the doctor threatens a stoppage, but the fight goes on. Takam is desperately trying to defend that eye while AJ seems unwilling to go on the offensive for fear of getting caught on the counter.

I would expect one round on onslaught from the champion though. He won't want to rely on the judges.

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ROUND EIGHT

More respect from Joshua who is sensibly trying to box behind his jab and exploit his height and reach advantage. "Bring it on" says Takam with his hands. The bell follows before AJ can answer.

ROUND SEVEN

AJ really respect this guy and Takam is starting to unload on some of these punches. Joshua seems to be deflecting them well though and now seems to be targeting the body as the referee takes another long, long look at that right eye.

Takam is having some success in close, exploding out of the trenches to throw fast shots - Joshua barely blinks but I think he might be a little hurt there! Some sluggish movement and some very deep breathing. Takam might have a piece of that round?

ROUND SIX

Takam is showing some chin but Joshua is just maneovring him into position for the decisive shot, trying to push him away, hold him with the jab then unload the right upper cut.

Fascinating little contest now, even if it feels like when not if.

ROUND FIVE

The doctor is called early in the round to inspect the eye and the crowd, fearing the worst, boo the potential for a stoppage.

Joshua continues to target the right eye with big, hooking shots and talks Takam onto them towards the end of the round.

But credit to the Frenchman, he makes it to the bell and even landed a couple of shots of his own.

ROUND FOUR

There is a palpable sense, perhaps for hte first time at a Joshua fight, of how much the Brit has to lose here. He is cautious but when Takam throws a three-punch combination, he senses an opportunity nad unleashes a barrage of punches and Takam I think is hurt. He is pawing at his brow furiously and I think he's got a problem with his eye.

He goes half down and it's ruled a knockdown! Can he hang on? Yes. Saved by the bell. Can Takam's corner sort out that right eye?

ROUND THREE

Gasps from the crowd as Takam lands a glancing left hook on their hero but he is unperturbed and it's another round of analysis from Joshua. It's as though he is just working his opponent out at the moment. Reading the instructions, checking all the pieces - he will soon unleash you would think.

ROUND TWO

A clash of heads forces the the referee to interfere and pause things but neitehr man is cut it appears.

The crowd ROAR as Joshua lands a couple of heavy hooks and knocks Takam off balance. My goodness is Takam the smaller man by the way. That four-inch difference in height is very clear in the ring, especially with how low the Frenchman is crouching.

ROUND ONE

As promised, nothing shy or retiring about Takam in the early stages, thrusting his bright red gloves and bright red shoes forward without any fear.

Joshua just feeling him out and evading the jab skillfully.