Tony Yoka facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tony Yoka
Yoka at the 2016 Summer Olympics
Statistics
Real name	Anthony Victor James Yoka
Rated at	Heavyweight
Height	2.01 m (6 ft 7 in)
Reach	208 centimetres (82 in)
Nationality	French
Born	(1992-04-28) 28 April 1992 (age 33) Paris, France
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	17
Wins	14
Wins by KO	11
Losses	3
Medal record Men's amateur boxing Representing  France Olympic Games Gold 2016 Rio de Janeiro Super-heavyweight World Championships Gold 2015 Doha Super-heavyweight European Games Bronze 2015 Baku Super-heavyweight EU Championships Bronze 2014 Sofia Super-heavyweight Youth Olympic Games Gold 2010 Singapore Super-heavyweight Youth World Championships Silver 2010 Baku Super-heavyweight

Anthony Victor James Yoka (born on April 28, 1992) is a French professional boxer. Before becoming a professional, he was a very successful amateur boxer. He won a bronze medal at the 2015 European Games. He also earned gold medals at the 2015 World Championships and the 2016 Olympics.

Tony Yoka's Amateur Boxing Career

Early Success and Youth Olympics

Tony Yoka started his boxing journey as an amateur. He quickly showed great talent. At the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics in Singapore, he won a gold medal. He competed in the Super heavyweight division. In the final match, he beat Joseph Parker, who later became a world champion.

World Championships and Olympic Dreams

In 2010, Yoka reached the final of the 2010 Youth World Amateur Boxing Championships. He earned a silver medal there. In 2011, he faced tough opponents like Olympic Champion Roberto Cammarelle. He also competed in the 2011 World Amateur Boxing Championships.

Medals and Olympic Gold

In 2015, Yoka won a bronze medal at the 2015 European Games. This was a big achievement for him. Later that year, he won a gold medal at the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships. This victory helped him get a spot in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

At the 2016 Olympic Games, Yoka continued his winning streak. He defeated Hussein Ishaish and Filip Hrgović to reach the final. In the super heavyweight final, he won the gold medal against British boxer Joe Joyce. This was a historic moment for France, as it was their first Super Heavyweight Olympic gold medal. Tony Yoka finished his amateur career with an impressive record of 60 wins and 12 losses.

Tony Yoka's Professional Boxing Career

Starting as a Professional Boxer

In 2017, Tony Yoka decided to become a professional boxer. He trained with Virgil Hunter. His first professional fight was in June 2017 in Paris. He won his debut fight against Travis Clark. In October 2017, he won again, beating Jonathan Rice.

Facing Challenges and Returning to the Ring

In July 2018, Yoka faced a challenge outside the ring. He was not allowed to box for one year because of rules about athlete testing. His appeal against this decision was not successful.

After his break, Yoka returned to boxing in September 2019. He fought Michael Wallisch and won by TKO in the third round. This meant the referee stopped the fight because Wallisch could not continue safely.

Winning Important Fights

Yoka then faced Johann Duhaupas, an experienced boxer. Yoka won quickly, knocking Duhaupas down twice in the first round. In November 2020, he fought Christian Hammer. Yoka won this fight by a unanimous decision, meaning all judges agreed he was the winner.

In March 2021, Yoka fought Joel Tambwe Djeko for the vacant European Union heavyweight title. He won the fight in the twelfth round by TKO. This was a big win, earning him a new title.

Recent Matches and Setbacks

In September 2021, Yoka fought Petar Milas at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris. Yoka won this fight by TKO in the seventh round. He was seen as the favorite to win.

Yoka was scheduled to fight Carlos Takam in January 2022, but Takam had to withdraw due to an injury. Martin Bakole was then set to replace Takam. The fight was postponed due to health measures. Yoka later faced Bakole on May 14, 2022. He lost this fight by a majority decision. This was his first professional loss.

In March 2023, Yoka fought Carlos Takam. He lost this fight by a split decision. In December 2023, he lost again to Ryad Merhy by split decision.

However, Tony Yoka has been working hard to get back to winning. In July 2024, he won against Amine Boucetta by TKO. In September 2024, he also won against Lamah Griggs by TKO. Most recently, in May 2025, he won against Arslan Yallyev by unanimous decision.

Professional Boxing Record

See also

In Spanish: Tony Yoka para niños

• Boxing at the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics
• Boxing at the 2016 Summer Olympics
• List of Youth Olympic Games gold medalists who won Olympic gold medals