Tony Yoka is actively preparing for his next boxing match, demonstrating his determination to return to the forefront of the heavyweight division after overcoming personal and professional setbacks. Recently based in London, Yoka took time away to train at the CREPS de Nancy facility in France, surrounded by some of the best amateur boxers alongside his former national coach, Mariano Gonzalez.
Reflecting on his return, Yoka stated, "Ça me rappelle des souvenirs ! Je les vois débuter leur expérience en équipe de France et je me suis dit que ça ne pouvait qu’être bénéfique pour moi de partager du temps avec eux" (It reminds me of memories! I see them starting their experience with the French team and I thought it could only be beneficial for me to spend time with them). This sentiment encapsulates Yoka's desire to not only hone his skills but refocus his mental approach after facing three consecutive defeats.
"J’ai voulu couper avec cette espèce de charge mentale, ce cercle vicieux qui s’était installé après ma première défaite. Mes deux autres revers sont liés à de mauvais choix. Cette fois, je fais les choses selon mes conditions" (I wanted to cut away from this kind of mental burden, the vicious circle which settled after my first defeat. My other two losses are linked to poor choices. This time, I am doing things on my terms), he shared, shedding light on the psychological battles faced by elite athletes.
Physically, Yoka has undergone notable changes as he stated, "J’ai pris un peu plus de dix kilos et je me sens bien sur le ring. La catégorie des poids lourds a changé. Avant, on était autour des 110, 112 kilos. Aujourd’hui, on est plutôt à 125, 127" (I have gained just over ten kilos and I feel good in the ring. The heavyweight division has changed. Previously, we were around 110, 112 kilos. Today, it’s more like 125, 127). This shift reflects Yoka's need to adapt to the contemporary heavyweight standards as he prepares for future bouts.
After bouncing back with two discreet wins during the course of 2024, Yoka feels ready to return to the limelight, eager to reclaim his standing among the elite fighters, stating, "J’ai décidé de revenir un petit peu en France, m’entraîner avec mon entraîneur des Jeux Olympiques, Mariano Gonzalez, pour reprendre un petit peu ce genre de travail, pas amateur, mais à la Cubaine, avec beaucoup plus de déplacements et de rythme" (I decided to come back to France, to train with my Olympic coach, Mariano Gonzalez, to resume this type of training—not amateur, but more of the Cuban style, with much more movement and rhythm). This new training methodology aims to reintroduce fluidity and finesse to his fighting style, which had veered too heavily toward sheer power.
Yoka's statement carries weight as he builds up to what he hopes will be pivotal matches this year: "C’est vrai que j’ai hâte de retrouver mon public et de faire un beau spectacle. Je suis en pleine confiance. Je me sens très bien. Il y a des gros défis qui s’annoncent cette année. Ça va être une belle année" (It's true I can't wait to see my fans again and put on a good show. I feel fully confident. I feel great. There are big challenges coming up this year. It’s going to be a great year). His optimism could be viewed as both inspiring and as a warning to his future competitors—the message is clear: the new Yoka intends to make waves.
Now at 32 years old, he is adamant about exploring opportunities to carve out his legacy within the boxing world, especially with the emergence of younger contenders. This revitalization seems apt as Yoka navigates his path back to the boxing elite. The question remains—can he translate this newfound confidence and physical transformation to substantial victories inside the ring?