Moscow, RUSSIA – Unbeaten heavyweight contender Artem Suslenkov will take on Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce on July 11 as part of the blockbuster IBA Pro 19 card headlined by Murat Gassiev’s WBA Heavyweight title defence against Tony Yoka in Moscow.

Suslenkov (14-0, 9 KOs) will look to cement his status as a genuine world-level heavyweight when he faces off against the formidable Joyce over ten rounds, with the WBA Continental Heavyweight title up for grabs for the winner.

The Volgograd-born banger has blasted his way to a perfect professional record since his debut in December 2018, but faces the stiffest test of his career so far against the vastly experienced, heavy-handed ‘Juggernaut’, who himself will be eyeing a return to world championship contention with a win on away soil.

After an impressive third-round TKO of former world-title challenger Artur Mann back in April, another eye-catching showing against the battle-hardened Joyce could see the 30-year-old in line for a shot at the winner of July 11’s main event, and with it, a potential all-Russian showdown with WBA kingpin Gassiev.

“Joyce is a powerful opponent with strong technique and vast experience,” said Suslenkov, who is currently ranked at #9 in the WBA Heavyweight ratings.

“This is a serious challenge. I feel both excitement and full focus. Meticulous preparation and the right tactics to neutralise his strengths will be crucial.

“This is a chance to show my level and give the fans something to cheer about. Joyce is a strong, pressure-fighting heavyweight with heavy hands and a great deal of experience.

“It is an honour for me to box on the card headlined by Murat Gassiev, who is defending his WBA Heavyweight title against Tony Yoka. This is a prestigious event, a major audience, and an opportunity to prove myself at the highest level.”

Putney puncher Joyce (16-4, 15 KOs), however, has aspirations of his own, and will enter July 11’s showpiece event with the knowledge that a win over Suslenkov could see the 6ft 6” giant back in line for a shot at one of the heavyweight division’s leading names.

With a slew of dominant stoppage victories on his CV – including dominant KO wins over current WBO Heavyweight challenger Daniel Dubois and former titleholder Joseph Parker, among others – Joyce has established himself as one of the heavyweight division’s most recognisable names.

Now under the guidance of esteemed trainer Javon ‘Sugar Hill’ Steward, Joyce will travel to Moscow fully confident of springing the upset and re-establishing himself as a top dog in boxing’s marquee division.

“I’ve spent the last year preparing, training and wanting to be back in the ring,” said Joyce.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to travel to Russia and challenge for the WBA Continental Heavyweight title on July 11. 

“Thank you to IBA Pro for the opportunity. My team and I are locked in and Moscow should get ready for a big performance.”

Suslenkov vs Joyce is the latest heavy-hitting match-up confirmed for the July 11 extravaganza, with further announcements on the undercard to take place in the coming weeks.

With a host of top international talent and established world-class competitors all vying to steal the show, the event – headlined by Ossetia icon Gassiev’s first WBA Heavyweight title defence – looks set to be one of the standout nights of 2026.

IBA Pro 19 is promoted by IB Challenger, Epic Sports & Entertainment, Patriot Promotion, Ural Boxing Promotions, Queensberry, and Yoka Boxing, in association with Winline.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – The eyes of the boxing world will descend on the Russian capital this summer as WBA Heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev makes the first defence of his crown against 2016 Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka at IBA Pro 19 on July 11.

Co-promoted by IB Challenger, Epic Sports & Entertainment, Patriot Promotion, Ural Boxing Promotions, Queensberry Promotions, and Yoka Boxing, in association with Winline, IBA Pro 19 promises to deliver one of the most explosive heavyweight match-ups of 2026.

Russian icon Murat Gassiev enters the contest as the reigning WBA Heavyweight champion, having become his nation’s first World heavyweight titleholder in over a decade with his electrifying sixth-round knockout of Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev at IBA Pro 13 in December.

The 32-year-old North Ossetia-native boasts a fearsome record of 33-2 (26 KOs), and is considered by many to be one of the sport’s most devastating punchers – as demonstrated by his highlight reel ‘Knockout of the Year’ of Pulev in-front of a capacity crowd at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

Now, the man fittingly nicknamed ‘Iron’ returns home to defend the belt that Russia waited thirteen years to reclaim.

WBA Heavyweight World Champion, Murat Gassiev, said: “It is an honour to defend the WBA World Heavyweight Title for the first time, and to do it at home in front of my Russian fans makes it extra special. Tony Yoka is a tremendous champion, an Olympic gold medallist, a big, strong heavyweight with serious skills. I have huge respect for him. I would like to thank both my team and President Kremlev for this opportunity. On July 11, I will do my absolute best to win and keep the belt in Russia.”

In the opposite corner, Paris puncher Tony Yoka (15-3, 12 KOs) arrives in Moscow with an opportunity to further cement his place in the French boxing history books.

After the 33-year-old famously captured Olympic super-heavyweight gold at Rio 2016, Yoka now sets his sights on becoming his nation’s first ever World Heavyweight champion in the professional ranks. 

Standing at a gargantuan 6 foot 7″ tall, Yoka possesses the size, reach and skill-set to trouble any heavyweight on the planet. Now, just one fight away from realising his ultimate ambition, a world title, the Frenchman is adamant he will leave Moscow as the new force in the blue ribbon heavyweight division.

Olympic Gold Medalist, Tony Yoka, said: “I’m going to win this world title for all my people in France and Congo that have not only stuck with me, but still believe in me becoming a professional world champion. I’ve been working hard for over two years now with Don Charles and I’m ready to showcase to the boxing world the changes in my professional Boxing. I want to thank Don and my team for backing me 100% through this period, as well as Frank and George Warren at the best promoters in the world, Queensberry, for getting me this opportunity which I will make the most of.”

Umar Kremlev, President of the International Boxing Association (IBA), said: “The IBA is incredibly proud to bring an outstanding heavyweight fight of this magnitude to Moscow. Murat Gassiev and Tony Yoka represent the absolute pinnacle of boxing excellence – one an incredible WBA world champion defending his crown at home, the other a legendary Olympic gold medallist fighting for professional glory. This event represents the key value the IBA stands for: providing the opportunity and ultimate platform for the world’s premier talent to compete at the highest level. July 11 will not just be an unforgettable IBA Pro evening for the fans, being  a landmark, historic moment for global boxing.”

Hall of Fame Promoter, Frank Warren said: “This is a great fight and one that we at Queensberry truly believe our man will win. Tony and Don Charles have been working extremely hard in the gym, so we fully expect them to go to Russia and do the business against a tough opponent in Gassiev and bring the title back to France.”

Al Siesta, promoter for IB Challenger said: “Murat Gassiev is the WBA World Heavyweight Champion and after he claimed the title in Dubai, we promised that he would be in exciting fights in 2026. Gassiev vs Yoka is a very exciting fight. Tony is an Olympic gold medalist, a giant of a man and a French sporting hero. He is coming to Moscow to take Murat’s belt, but Gassiev is ready. This is an excellent heavyweight title fight and we are honoured to deliver it on home soil for Murat. To the boxing world: get your tickets and get ready, because July 11 in Moscow is going to be unforgettable.”

IBA Pro 19 is promoted by IB Challenger, Epic Sports & Entertainment, Patriot Promotion, Ural Boxing Promotions, Queensberry, and Yoka Boxing, in association with Winline.

(March 7, 2023) — French Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka will return in a 10-round main event this Saturday, March 11, against former world title challenger Carlos Takam at Zenith Paris in Paris, France.
 
Yoka-Takam and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 a.m. PT.

Yoka (11-1, 9 KOs) had a decorated amateur career that included wins over Joseph Parker, Filip Hrgovi? and Joe Joyce, the latter of whom he defeated to earn a gold medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Yoka turned pro in 2017 and notched 11 victories before suffering a majority decision loss to Martin Bakole last May. The 30-year-old contender is eager to regain his upward momentum in the heavyweight rankings. Takam (39-7-1, 28 KOs) is a Cameroonian-born contender who represented his homeland in the 2004 Olympics and challenged Anthony Joshua for the unified heavyweight crown in 2017. In his last fight, he ended Arslanbek Makhmudov’s knockout streak by forcing him to go 10 rounds for the first time.
 
In other streaming action from Paris: 

• British light heavyweight Dan Azeez (18-0, 12 KOs) puts his unbeaten record on the line in a 12-round battle against Frenchman Thomas Faure (21-4-1, 2 KOs) for the European title. The 33-year-old Azeez is inching closer to a world title shot and is coming off an eighth-round TKO win over former world champion Rocky Fielding last December.
   
• Olympic gold medalist Lauren Price (2-0, 1 KO) makes her 2023 debut in an eight-round welterweight tilt against Naomi Mannes (6-1, 4 KOs). The Welsh standout is coming off a TKO win in October, while Mannes lost in a bid for the European title in November.
   
• Undefeated middleweight Farrhad Saad (8-0-1) returns from a two-year layoff versus Britain’s Macaulay McGowan (17-3-1, 3 KOs).  

# # #

About ESPN+ 
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). 

Martin Bakole scored two knockdowns and dominated former Olympic Gold Medal winner Tony Yoka en-round to a 10-round majority decision in Paris, France.

In round one, Bakole dropped Yoke with a hard right hand. In round three, Yoka was cut under his left eye. In round four, he began to bleed from his nose. In round five, Bakole landed a punch and Yoka fell on his ankle that ruled a knockdown.

Bakolewon by scores of 96-92, 95-93 and 94-94

Bakole of Scotland is 18-1. Yoka of Paris is 11-1.

Oumiha Decisions Boufoudi

Sofiane Oumiha won an eight-round unanimous decision over Mevy Boufoudi in a battle of undefeated lightweights.

Oumiha is now 2-0. Boufoudi is 8-1.

Victor Yoka Scores 1st Round KO in Pro debut

Victor Yoka made a successful pro debut with a first-round stoppage over Guarami Khurtsidze in a super welterweight bout.

Yoka dropped Khurtsidze with a right to the head and the bout was stopped.

Yoka of France is 1-0. Khurtsidze of Georgia Republic is 4-15-5.

(May 11, 2022) — Tony Yoka, the undefeated French heavyweight who captured Olympic gold at the 2016 Rio Games, takes a major step up in class this Saturday, May 14, in a 10-round main event against Congolese contender Martin Bakole at Accor Arena in Paris.

Yoka-Bakole headlines a loaded fight card that will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.

Yoka (11-0, 9 KOs) is already ranked in the top 10 by two of the major sanctioning organizations. He’s spent the entirety of his pro career fighting in France and has scored a series of standout wins over the likes of Jonnie Rice, Alexander Dimitrenko, and former world title challenger Johann Duhaupas. In September 2021, he knocked out previously undefeated Croatian contender Petar Milas in seven rounds. Bakole (17-1, 13 KOs), who stands 6’6 and often weighs more than 250 pounds, has spent much of his eight-year pro career based in Scotland. He’s won six straight since an October 2018 TKO loss to American Olympian Michael Hunter, a run that’s included victories over recognizable names like Mariusz Wach, Kevin Johnson, and Sergey Kuzmin.

In undercard action on ESPN+:

• In an eight-round lightweight contest, two-time French Olympian and 2016 Olympic silver medalist Sofiane Oumiha (1-0, 1 KO) will battle fellow unbeaten Mevy Boufoudi (8-0, 3 KOs). At the Tokyo Olympics, Oumiha lost to Keyshawn Davis, the eventual silver medalist and current Top Rank-signed standout.
   
• French prospect Christ “Little T” Esabe (11-0, 3 KOs) takes a step up in class versus Venezuelan veteran Sander Diaz (13-8-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-rounder at lightweight. Esabe is the reigning WBC Francophone featherweight champion and a former French featherweight champion.
   
• French amateur standout Victor Yoka, younger brother of Tony Yoka, will make his professional debut in a six-round lightweight bout against the durable Gurami Kurtanidze (4-14-5, 1 KO).

About ESPN+ 
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S.
thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s
linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of
ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more
than 21.3 million subscribers. 
?? 
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

(September 7, 2021) —Heavyweight contender Tony Yoka, the Paris native who won Olympic gold for France in 2016, returns home for a historic night at the fights. Yoka will face fellow unbeaten Peter Milas in a 10-rounder this Friday, Sept. 10 at Roland Garros, site of the French Open. This marks the first boxing event to take place at the famed tennis venue since 1973.
 
Yoka-Milas will headline a scheduled three-fight card streaming live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ starting at 2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 a.m. PT. Top Rank-signed prospect Hugo “The Fresh Prince of Monaco” Micallef will make his pro debut on the card in a four-round welterweight bout against Ezequiel Gregores (2-2, 0 KOs). Highlights of Micallef’s fight will be shown on the stream.
 
Yoka (10-0, 8 KOs) turned pro in April 2017 and stepped up early with wins over the likes of Jonnie Rice, David Allen and former European champion Alexander Dimitrenko. He went 2-0 in 2020, including a first-round knockout over former world title challenger Johann Duhaupas. Yoka made his 2021 debut in March and knocked out Belgian native Joel Tambwe Djeko to pick up the European Union title. Milas (15-0, 11 KOs), from Split, Croatia, has fought most of his pro career in Germany. He’s picked up standout victories over durable spoiler Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson and former world title challenger Francesco Pianeta.
 
In other action streaming on ESPN+:

• In a 12-round tilt for the vacant European Union light heavyweight title, former world title challenger Igor Mikhalkin (24-2, 11 KOs) looks to extend his winning streak to four against French 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Mathieu Bauderlique (20-1, 11 KOs). Bauderlique has won eight straight fights since a shocking first-round knockout loss.
   
• Souleymane Cissokho (13-0, 8 KOs), who earned a bronze medal for France at the 2016 Rio Olympics, will make the first defense of his WBA Intercontinental super welterweight strap against Russian veteran Ismail Iliev (13-2-1, 3 KOs). Cissokho won the belt in May with a split decision over Kieron Conway on the Canelo Alvarez-Billy Joe Saunders undercard.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 14.9 million subscribers.
  
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

BoxNation and Premier Sports have today announced live coverage this Friday evening of Heavyweight contender Tony Yoka as he returns to action against Joel Tambwe Djeko in a 12-rounder for the vacant European Union title.

Live broadcast of the event from Nantes, France begins at 7.40pm on BoxNation and Premier Sports 2 with the first fight expected at 7.55pm.  In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, Estelle Yoka Mossely (8-0, 1 KO), the other half of boxing’s most prominent husband-and-wife duo, will fight German contender Verena Kaiser (14-1, 6 KOs).

Undefeated French middleweight prospect Farrhad Saad (7-0-1), winner of six straight, will take on Bulgarian veteran Borislav Ivanov (9-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder right before the main event.

Yoka (9-0, 7 KOs) became an instant sensation in his home nation when he became the first French boxer to win an Olympic super-heavyweight gold medal. Following a six-round decision victory over Jonathan Rice in his second pro bout, he notched six consecutive stoppage wins, including a first-round blitzing of former world title challenger Johann Duhaupas last September. Yoka returned last November live on BoxNation and Premier Sports and scored a shutout 10-round decision over Christian Hammer. Djeko (17-2-1, 8 KOs) has never been stopped in a 20-fight career and has won eight consecutive bouts since a split decision defeat in 2016.

New customers signing up to watch this event can do so easily via the Premier Sports website. More upcoming fights for March and April are expected to be announced shortly.

ENDS

ABOUT PREMIER SPORTS

Premier Sports was founded in 2009 is available on Sky, Virgin TV and the Premier Player. In the Premier Sports bundle on Sky, Virgin TV and Premier Player, customers can enjoy Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports 2, BoxNation and LaLigaTV.

Premier Sports 1 is on Sky channel 412 and Virgin channel 551. Premier Sports 2 is on Sky channel 435 and Virgin Channel 552. FreeSports is available free on Sky Channel 422, Virgin Media Channel 553, on Channel 64 on Freeview and BT and on Freesat Channel 252.

The channels are also available to pubs, clubs and other commercial premises throughout the UK.

Premier Sports also broadcast LaLiga, Serie A, Scottish Cup football, 152 games from the Guinness PRO14, 15 games a week from the NHL, GAA and the home of NASCAR in the UK.

ABOUT BOXNATION

BoxNation began broadcasting in 2011 and has featured some of the best fights from home and abroad in the 8 years it has been on air. BoxNation is currently available on Sky channel 427, Virgin TV channel 546, BT TV and Talk Talk channel 415.

Premier Sports: www.premiersports.com                                            FreeSports: www.freesports.tv

(March 1, 2021) — Heavyweight contender Tony Yoka, the 2016 Olympic gold medal sensation from Paris, has set his sights on his first professional belt. Yoka will battle Belgium-born Joel Tambwe Djeko in a 12-rounder for the vacant European Union title Friday at H Arena in Nantes, France.
 
In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, Estelle Yoka Mossely (8-0, 1 KO), the other half of boxing’s most prominent husband-and-wife duo, will fight German contender Verena Kaiser (14-1, 6 KOs).
 
The Yoka-Djeko card will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ beginning at 2:40 p.m. ET/11:40 a.m. PT. 
 
“I am excited to once again showcase my talents live in the United States on ESPN+,” Yoka said. “Djeko is a formidable opponent who I cannot overlook as I continue to move up the rankings.”
 
Yoka (9-0, 7 KOs) became an instant sensation in his home nation when he became the first French boxer to win an Olympic super heavyweight gold medal. Following a six-round decision victory over Jonathan Rice in his second pro bout, he notched six consecutive stoppage wins, including a first-round blitzing of former world title challenger Johann Duhaupas last September. Yoka returned last November on an ESPN+-streamed bill and scored a shutout 10-round decision over Christian Hammer. Djeko (17-2-1, 8 KOs) has never been stopped in a 20-fight career and has won eight consecutive bouts since a split decision defeat in 2016.
 
In other streaming action:

• Undefeated French middleweight prospect Farrhad Saad (7-0-1), winner of six straight, will take on Bulgarian veteran Borislav Ivanov (9-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder.
   
• In a six-round junior lightweight bout, Khalil el Hadri (10-0, 6 KOs) will fight Jon Martinez (7-6-5, 1 KO). 

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.1 million subscribers.
  
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $12.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $18.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

###

Former Olympic Gold medal winner Tony Yoka won a 10-round unanimous decision over Christian Hammer at H-Arena in Nantes, France.

In round two, Hammer was cut over the right eye. Yoka boxed well in this uneventful fight, but he was consistent from range.

Yoka is 9-0. Hammer is 25-7.

Viktor Faust went the distance for the 1st time in his career, yet still won an easy six-round unanimous decision over Kamil Sokolowski in a heavyweight bout.

In round three, Faust dropped Sokolowski with a hard combination that was culminated by a left hook to the side of the head.

In round four, Sokolowski was cut in the bridge of his nose.

Faust of the Ukraine is now 5-0. Sokolowski is 10-20-2.

Gokcek Decisions Bechelaghem after Decision is reversed

Volkan Gokcek remained undefeated with a decision win over Aboubeker Bechelaghem in a weltwewight.

Bechelaghem was originally announced the winner, but after he left the ring, Gokcek had his hand raised as the scores were read wrong. Gokcek won by sores of 59-55 and 58-56; Bechelaghem won by a 58-56 score. Gokcek, the fighter from Turkey is now 5-0. Bechelaghem is 12-12-2.

Mossely decisions Gongora

Estelle Mossely, who who like her husband Tony Yoka, was a former Olympic Gold Medal winner, won an eight-round unanimous decisions over Emma Gongora in a lightweight bout.

In round two, Gongora was cut over her left eye. Replays showed it came from an elbow by Mossely

Mossely is now 8-0. Gongora, who took the bout on three days notice is now 0-2.

Hamburg, 25th of November – This Friday another thrilling boxing event is taking place. In Nantes, France EC Boxing‘s Christian Hammer will take on Olympic Champion Tony Yoka in a 10 round Heavyweight bout. On top of that there are two other Erol Ceylan promoted fighters competing that night. Both Victor Faust and Volkan Gökcek will step into the ring of the H Arena and try to stay unbeaten. After turning pro early this year, Faust and Gökcek both will have their fifth fight since doing so – something you rarely see in the crazy year of 2020.

Heayvweight Faust (4 fights, 4 wins, 4 knockouts) just had his toughest test so far, when he took on the experienced Yakup Saglam on October 31st in Hamburg. After securing yet another stoppage win, the Ukrainian will step up in competition again. In France he will face tough Pole Kamil Sokolowski (31 fights, 10 wins, 4 knockouts), who just went the distance with Faust‘s ECB team member Ali Eren Demirezen. The fight is scheduled for 6 rounds.

Quite a few weight classes below Faust rising star Volkan Gökcek (4 fights, 4 wins, 2 knockouts) from Turkey is making his mark. The 24 year old also fought in Hamburg last month, beating Octavian Gratii from Moldova on points. Now Gökcek ist taking on Aboubeker Bechelaghem (25 fights, 12 wins). The Frenchman already competed against some known names in the sport, including 2012 Olympic Champion Luke Campbell. This Super-Lightweight contest is also scheduled for six rounds.

„We are glad that our fighters get another chance to fight this year. Victor and Volkan are facing some tough and experienced opponents who are not coming to lose,“ Promoter Erol Ceylan states.

(November 24, 2020) — Tony Yoka, the dynamic heavyweight punching Parisian, aims to impress in his ESPN platform debut. Yoka, who won a super heavyweight gold medal for France at the 2016 Rio Olympics, will fight veteran Christian Hammer in a 10-rounder Friday at H Arena in Nantes, France.
 
Yoka-Hammer will stream live and exclusively this Friday, Nov. 27 in the United States on ESPN+ beginning at 2:55 p.m. ET/11:55 a.m. PT. The ESPN+ stream will also include the return of unbeaten 2016 French Olympic gold medalist Estelle Yoka-Mossely against Pasa Malagic in an eight-round lightweight bout. Yoka and Yoka-Mossely, who have been married since 2018, welcomed their second child in May.
 
Earlier this year, Yoka inked a promotional agreement with Top Rank, which will co-promote him with Ringstar France.
 
“Tony Yoka’s potential is limitless, and he is a grounded young man who is motivated to be a great professional fighter,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “France has never had a world heavyweight champion, and I believe Tony is the one to bring the sport’s biggest honor home.”
 
The 28-year-old Yoka’s stellar amateur run included a berth at the 2012 London Olympics and gold medals at the 2015 World Championships and 2010 Youth Olympic Games. Before his triumph in Rio, he’d already defeated the likes of former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker and current undefeated prospects Joe Joyce and Ivan Dychko. At the Rio Olympics, he defeated Croatian standout Filip Hrgovi? in the semifinals and edged Joyce in the gold medal match.
 
As a professional, Yoka (8-0, 7 KOs) made his debut in June 2017 with a second-round stoppage over the previously undefeated Travis Clark. Apart from a decision win over Jonathan Rice in his second outing, Yoka has stopped every foe, including durable Englishman David “White Rhino” Allen and former European champion Alexander Dimitrenko. He made his 2020 debut Sept. 25 and stopped former world title challenger Johann Duhaupas in one round.
 
Hammer (25-6, 15 KOs) has fought many of the leading heavyweight names during his 12-year career, falling short against Tyson Fury, Luis Ortiz and Alexander Povetkin. He’s notched myriad upset victories, including a highlight-reel knockout over David Price and a 2016 split decision over Erkan Teper for the WBO European belt. In March 2019, he went the 10-round distance against Ortiz and has not been stopped since Fury forced him to retire on his stool after eight rounds in their February 2015 clash.
 
For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing and twitter.com/ESPNRingside; IG: @espnringside.
 
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 10.3 million subscribers.
 
Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.