Frank Warren Backs Referee Following Joe Joyce vs. Takam Stoppage

Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions doesn’t have a problem with the Joe Joyce vs. Carlos Takam stoppage.

Joyce, who is the mandatory challenger for the WBO Heavyweight Title, did battle with Takam this past Saturday (July 24). Takam was landing a bevy of right hands early in the fight but Joyce wasn’t fazed. He began to find success with the jab and started to pressure Takam, especially in the fifth round. Early in the sixth, Joyce wobbled Takam and went on the attack. With Takam simply covering up and not throwing any punches or clinching, referee Steve Gray stopped the fight.

After the bout, Takam vehemently protested the stoppage. It appears the consensus is split with boxing pundits. Some believe Gray saved Takam from further punishment while others felt the bout was stopped prematurely.

Warren spoke to BT Sport after the fight and said he feels Gray made the right call (via BoxingScene.com).

“Look, if you’re taking shots and you’re not throwing ‘em back, the referee has no alternative. And he was not throwing shots back.”

Warren went on to say that he enjoyed the fight and felt both Joyce and Takam gave fans the excitement that should be expected from a high-level heavyweight bout in professional boxing.

“I’ve gotta tell you, it was a very, very exciting heavyweight fight. There’s no doubt about that. They both gave everybody value for money and it was a sensational finish.”

Joyce is now turning his attention to the winner of Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua will be putting the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO Heavyweight Titles on the line against Usyk on Sept. 25. Joyce wants to fight the winner and he doesn’t feel he needs another tuneup bout.

What did you make of the Joe Joyce vs. Carlos Takam stoppage?