Tony Yoka vs. Carlos Takam undercard: Complete list of fights before main event in 2023 boxing match
Former Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka will be looking to return to the Victory Column when he takes on two-time world champion challenger Carlos Takam at the Zenith de Paris-La Villette in Paris, France on Saturday. The 10-round heavyweight attraction plus undercard fights will be televised by Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN+ in the US
Yoka (11-1, 9 KOs) suffers a 10-round majority decision loss to hard-hitting competitor Martin Bakole in May 2022. Despite a judge scoring the fight in disbelief with a tie, Bakole was largely dominant and scored heavy knockdowns in the first and fifth round fights.
Takam (39-7-1, 28 KOs) blurs the line between gatekeeper and journeyman. The 42-year veteran has gone 4-4 in his last eight fights, with three of those losses coming from stoppages. Inactivity could be another factor as Takam has averaged just one fight a year since 2020.
There is no question that Yoka, 30, is the fresher fighter in this duel. However, the younger man must exercise a degree of caution and avoid being reckless in the exchange. On paper, Takam only has one chance at a puncher, so Yoka would do well to box smartly and take advantage of his speed and agility.
MORE: Everything you need to know about Yoka vs. Takam
The main event is supported by a varied and intriguing undercard. The Sporting News now takes a look at the supporting cast in Paris:
Tony Yoka vs Carlos Takam undercard
Thomas Faure vs. Dan Azeez
European light heavyweight title fight
Home fighter Thomas Faure (21-4-1, 2 KOs) makes the first defense of his light heavyweight championship against undefeated Dan Azeez (18-0, 12 KOs).
While Faure is the reigning champion, Azeez has blended into better company. During his rise, the challenger has had good wins over Hosea Burton (TKO 7), Reece Cartwright (TKO 8), and Rocky Fielding (TKO 8).
The power deficit, as well as the competition, is why Azeez was used as an unaffordable favorite to add the European Championship to the British title he won in 2021.
Lauren Price vs. Naomi Mannes
Non-welterweight title fight
Southpaw Lauren Price (2-0, 1 KO) is a former Welsh amateur sensation who was taboo for big things in the paid ranks.
The former Olympic champion turned pro in June last year and knocked out Valgerdur Gudstensdottir over six rounds. Four months later, Price demonstrated her power and stopped Timea Belik in four.
Although Germany’s man (6-1, 4 KOs) suffered a competitive point loss to Kirstie Bavington in a European title fight in November, she has never mixed with anyone in Price’s pedigree.
MORE: Boxing plan 2023: Dates, breakdown, location for upcoming fights
Farhaad Saad vs Macaulay McGowan
Non-super middleweight title fight
After two years without a ring, undefeated Frenchman Farhaad Saad (8-0-1) returns against Manchester’s Macauley McGowan.
Saad never shared the ring with anyone of importance, and all of his fights have gone the distance. However, he has proven to be defensively adept and quick on his feet.
McGowan (17-3-1, 3 KOs) is best known for falling short in the comeback of former two-weight world champion and pound-for-pound star Sergio Martinez. The pair met in January 2022, and Martinez, then 46, prevailed in 10 rounds.