Tony Yoka leads WBC challengers for Kabayel fight

Tony Yoka has returned to the centre of the WBC heavyweight picture, emerging as the leading candidate among five possible challengers for champion Agit Kabayel. The opportunity offers the French boxer a route back towards the level he occupied after his Olympic triumph, although a fight has not yet been confirmed.

Yoka is listed ahead of Italy’s Guido Vianello, Ukraine’s Andrii Novytskyi, Croatia’s Petar Milas and Denmark’s Kem Ljungquist. A bout is being considered for November 28 in Oberhausen, Germany. Yoka’s most recent fight took place on December 21, 2025.

The possible return comes after a difficult stretch in his professional career. Between 2022 and 2023, he lost three consecutive decisions to Martin Bakole, Carlos Takam and Ryad Merhy. His planned appearances this year were cancelled, including because of an injury and an opponent’s positive doping test.

Yoka became one of France’s most prominent boxers after winning super-heavyweight gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Canal+ backed his professional rise through an exclusive deal and the “La Conquête” series, with the stated ambition of making him France’s first heavyweight world champion. His direct public communication, particularly on social media, later contributed to a loss of public support, while his media profile declined. The Kabayel opportunity now places him among the leading names for another major step.