Via Craig Daly: 2016 Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist Tony Yoka will take on former world title challenger Carlos Takam on March 11 in Paris, France.
Fighting 42-year-old Takam (39-7-1, 28 KOs) was a huge setback for Yoka and obviously sign of concern on whether he will appear in the pro ranks after six years.
Given the way Yoka performed against Bakole, you have to say his fight with Takam was a tough one. Yoka’s chin might not hold up against the strong hits from Takam in the beginning. However, if Yoka can get past his main Takam in the later rounds, his chances of winning will increase.
Given Yoka’s Olympic gold medal pedigree, he should have been much more advanced in his career than he is now, but he hasn’t shown the kind of talent that would suggest he can play against the best. leading ability.
Yoka looks so tall Suspicious victory finish Joe Joyce in the 2016 Olympic final, it’s no surprise that he faltered at the pro level without encountering a super-quality opponent.
Joyce played better than Yoka in their fight, seemingly winning every round but losing on the scoreboard. Looking back on that competition, you wonder what the judges thought when they gave Yoka the win.
30-year-old player Yoka (11-1, 9 KOs) is experiencing a heavy loss in the 10th round to decide the opponent Martin Bakole last May in Paris. Bakole knocked out Yoka 6’6″ twice, knocking him out in game 1 and game 5.
Although Yoka rose to finish the match, he still lost with the scores 96-92, 95-93 and 94-94.
Losing to Takam would be a clear sign that Yoka needs to pack up and retire as he just doesn’t seem to fit the pro ranks. If Yoka can’t beat the likes of Takam & Bakole, then he’s not going anywhere in the sport.
If Yoka gets paid a lot to fight the little-known opposition in Paris, you can see why he’ll keep his head up if he loses to Takam on March 11.
Takam is about to come out of consecutive losses to Arslanbek Makhmudov and Joe Joyce. His last win was in 2020 against cruiser Jerry Forrest.
Takam’s career hasn’t been the same since losing to IBF, IBO & WBA heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in October 2017 in Cardiff. He was brought on as a substitute after Kubra Pulev suffered an arm injury.
