By Jim Dower: Making his second fight as a pro, 2016 Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist Tony Yoka (2-0, 1 KOs) had to struggle to defeat 30-year-old American Jonathan Rice (7-3-1, 4 KOs) by a 6 round unanimous decision on Saturday night at the Zenith de Paris, in Paris, France.
French Olympian and 2016 super heavyweight gold medalist Tony Yoka will make his highly-anticipated pro debut on Friday, June 2 as he faces unbeaten Travis Clark (12-0, 8 KOs) from Le Dome – Palais Des Sports de Paris and live in France on Canal Plus at 7:30 p.m. CET.
By Juan Rodriguez: Tony Yoka has turned pro under Richard Schaffer’s Ringstar Sports in France. He is set to make his debut on May 20th Paris, where he is expected to be a big draw. The question is, now that 2015 World and 2016 Olympic champion has turned pro, does he have what it takes to transfer his amateur success to the pros?
If his previous success and accomplishments are any indicators, then smart money says yes. Yoka has already signed an exclusive, four year contract with French broadcaster, Canal +, before even stepping into the ring for his professional debut. It is evident that there is a lot of interest in Yoka’s career, and a lucrative contract with a big network is a sign of things to come.
By Gav Duthie: Super heavyweight Olympic gold medalist Tony Victor James Yoka is one of the first big names to sign with the newly formed promotional company Hayemaker Ringstar developed by David Haye and Richard Schaefer. Yoka who recently signed a TV deal upon turning professional with Canal+ for four years is said to be only the first of many big names to join this new venture.
Tony Yoka: Boxing Bio