Heavyweight prospect Tony Yoka Returns March 5!
Former 2016 Olympic gold medalist and heavyweight prospect Tony Yoka, has set his sights on his first professional belt. He 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).
RELATED: Tony Yoka to Joe Joyce: “Let’s Make the Olympic Rematch Right Now!”
The Yoka vs 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 on March 5.
“I am excited to once again showcase my talents live in the United States on ESPN+. 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. These included a first-round blitzing of former world title challenger Johann Duhaupas last September. He 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).
