Tony Yoka Destroys Johann Duhaupas in Step-Up Fight
On paper, former world Heavyweight title challenger Johann Duhaupas (38-6, 25KOs) was supposed to present rising contender Tony Yoka (8-0, 7) the toughest test of his career. Instead, the 28-year-old Olympic Gold Medalist stepped in blitzed Duhaupas in one round!
EASY WORK
Yoka set the pace early, fighting on the front-foot from the opening bell and found a home for his straight and overhand rights. He then started mixing his attack as he got his jab into play and added left and right hooks to the body.
Duhaupas for his part offered little resistance, due in large because he was in defensive mode from Yoka’s varied attack.
Forty-five seconds into the opening round, Yoka put his foe down from a right-uppercut and right hand to the head. While he got up, the Frenchman smelled blood and pounced.
A follow-up assault that was culminated by another right-uppercut to the chin put Duhaupas down for a second time. Referee Jerome Lades had seen enough and called a halt to the bout with 1:40 to go in the round!
Many will argue at age 39, Duhaupas is on the downside of his career. However, this is still the same man who lasted eleven rounds with former WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in 2015.
If this fight is any indication, it’s time for the French prospect to take it up a level in competition moving forward. Earlier this year, Yoka signed a promotional deal with Top Rank and was supposed to make his United States debut in March 2020.
However, that was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopefully, his US debut will be rescheduled and fans in the States can see him display his talents in 2021; hopefully against someone who can provide him a real test.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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