Alexander Povetkin halts Takam in ten

Russia's Alexander Povetkin (28-1, 20 KOs) defeated Carlos Takam (30-2-1, 23 KOs) by a 10th round stoppage on Friday night to capture the WBC Silver heavyweight title at the Luzhniki Concert Hall in Moscow, Russia.

Povetkin was too strong and sharp for the Cameroon fighter, who produced the higher work rate but Povetkin’s bullish power had Takam on the retreat throughout.

The first knockdown came at the end of the 9th, a double left hook followed by a right cross put Takam down on the canvas. 

In the 10th, Povetkin knocked Takam down for the second time, connecting with a hard left hook to the head. Takam was too hurt to continue and referee Kenny Bayless stopped the fight.

Povetkin got his second consecutive knockout win. He stopped Manuel Charr in seven rounds in May.

The victory for Povetkin puts him in a good position to get a shot at the WBC title against the winner of champion Bermane Stiverne’s fight against mandatory challenger Deontay Wilder.