Has Tony Yoka’s string of three consecutive losses significantly dimmed his once-promising career at the elite level? The French heavyweight, who captured an Olympic gold medal in 2016, was widely considered a rising star, poised to make a significant impact in the professional boxing world. However, defeats at the hands of Martin Bakole, Carlos Takam, and Ryad Merhy have led many to speculate that Yoka’s best days might be behind him.
Despite the setbacks, 32-year-old Yoka, now standing at a record of 13 wins with 3 losses (11 of those victories by knockout), is gearing up for his next challenge. According to The Pinnacle Gazette, he is scheduled to face Russian heavyweight Arslan Yallyev, who is undefeated, in a bout set to take place in Paris on May 17th. Since his trio of defeats, Yoka has managed to secure two wins, albeit against lesser-known opponents.
Yallyev, at 28 years old, boasts an unblemished record of 16 wins (10 by knockout), though his true potential remains somewhat of a mystery. With all his professional fights taking place in Russia, Yallyev’s resume lacks any standout names, save perhaps for Victor Emilio Ramirez, who might be the most notable fighter he has faced.
The heavyweight division is notoriously unpredictable, and anything can happen once the bell rings. The question remains: what does Yoka have left to offer in the ring? Was he as formidable as once believed? Standing at 6’7”, Yoka will have a slight height advantage over Yallyev, who comes in at an equally impressive 6’5”. Will their encounter light up the ring with fireworks, or will Yoka choose a more tactical approach?
Predicting the outcome is tricky. Much depends on what Yoka has left in the tank and how Yallyev handles a higher level of competition. One thing is clear; Yoka cannot afford to chalk up another loss. The Frenchman last fought in September last year, while Yallyev’s most recent bout was in November 2024. Come May 17th, this matchup promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
