On May 17, 2025, Tony Yoka will step back into the ring at the Adidas Arena in Paris, ready to face the undefeated Arslan Yallyev. This fight is not just another match for Yoka; it marks the final bout of his contract with Canal +, and he is determined to showcase a revitalized version of himself. With a professional record of 13 wins and 3 losses, Yoka is looking to re-establish his place in the boxing world after a challenging period filled with setbacks.
The 32-year-old heavyweight has not fought in front of his home crowd for nearly a year and a half, making this return even more significant. Yoka, who gained fame as the gold medalist in super-heavyweight boxing at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, has faced a tough road since turning professional. He won his first 11 fights but has struggled in recent bouts, suffering defeats against Martin Bakole and Carlos Takam, and most recently, Ryad Merhy.
Yoka's last fight, held on December 9, 2023, at Roland-Garros, ended in disappointment as he lost a closely contested decision to Merhy. The scores were tight, with judges seeing the fight 96-94, 94-96, and 96-94 in favor of his opponent. This loss only added to the mounting pressure on Yoka as he prepares for his upcoming match against Yallyev, who boasts an impressive record of 16-0, including 10 wins by knockout.
Determined to turn his career around, Yoka has undergone a significant transformation in both physique and mindset. He has gained ten kilos of muscle, now weighing in at a more formidable 109 kilos, a shift aimed at enhancing his performance in the ring. Yoka expressed his commitment to this change, stating, "I took a year for myself to gain weight. I worked hard and fought twice in England to regain my confidence. I’ve relearned to love my sport.”
In addition to his physical changes, Yoka has relocated to London, allowing him to be closer to his family and children. This move has provided him with the stability he craved, especially after the challenges of living in the United States, where he felt the strain of long distances and time zone differences. Yoka shared, "I can go home when I want to see my kids. It was important for me.”
As he gears up for this pivotal fight, Yoka is aware of the stakes involved. A victory against Yallyev could propel him closer to the top 30 in the world rankings, a significant milestone for any boxer. He stated, “I have to prove that I’m not done. I just took a step back to jump higher, and I think I needed that.” The heavyweight landscape is highly competitive, and Yoka knows that he must deliver a strong performance to reignite his career.
Yallyev, a 28-year-old Russian fighter, is not to be underestimated. Ranked 36th in the world, he comes into the fight with an undefeated record, and he will be looking to spoil Yoka’s comeback. Yallyev has shown his punching power, with a significant portion of his victories coming by way of knockout. This adds an extra layer of challenge for Yoka, who has faced criticism in the past for lacking knockout power himself.
The anticipation for this fight is palpable, especially as Yoka prepares to fight in front of his home crowd once again. He expressed his eagerness to connect with the Parisian audience, saying, “I can’t wait to fight in front of the Paris crowd. I’ve missed it.” This match represents not just a chance for redemption but also an opportunity for Yoka to reclaim his status in the heavyweight division.
As the date approaches, the excitement surrounding Yoka’s return continues to build. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can indeed prove that he is back and ready to compete at a high level. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on for Yoka as he prepares to step into the ring against a formidable opponent. Will he rise to the occasion and secure a victory that could change the trajectory of his career?
The boxing world eagerly awaits the outcome of this clash on May 17, with both fighters looking to make a statement. For Tony Yoka, this fight is not just about winning; it’s about proving to himself and his fans that he still has what it takes to compete among the best. As he stated, “I’m proud, and I want to show my fans that I’m not done yet.” The journey back to the top starts here, and the boxing community is ready to witness this pivotal moment in Yoka’s career.
