Arslanbek Makhmudov Drops Carlos Takam Twice, But Forced To Go Distance

Veteran heavyweight contender Carlos Takam was unable to get the win, but was still able to take dangerous puncher Arslanbek Makhmudov the full distance at the Montreal Casino.

Entering the fight, Makhmudov had knocked out all 14 of his opponents from within the distance and had never gone beyond ten rounds.

The scores were 96-92, 97-91 and 96-92.

Takam (39-7-1, 28 KOs) was down in the first round, and then again in the seventh, but in true Takam fashion, he never stopped trying and landed some good shots, and was always looking to turn the tide.

Makhmudov was surprised by Takam’s resistance in the contest.

“Honestly, I didn’t expect him to be in such good shape, because I saw his recent fights and he was getting tired. [in the later rounds]. That’s why he wasn’t in a hurry [to stop him]. But I’m happy because I’ve never done 10 rounds,” Makhmudov said.

Also on the undercard, Steven Butler eliminated Mark DeLuca in two rounds. Butler (31-3-1, 26 KOs) dropped DeLuca (28-4, 16 KOs) twice in the second to force a stoppage in the fight.

“I am proud of what I have achieved and of not giving up when it was easy to do so [after my setbacks]. both losses [that I suffered] they were heartbreaking and i’m happy i showed my character [in this fight]Butler said.