Tony Yoka vs. Arslan Yallyev: May 17th in Paris

Paris, France - French heavyweight boxer Tony Yoka is set to make his return to the ring on May 17, 2025, facing undefeated Russian contender Arslan Yallyev at the Adidas Arena in Paris. This bout marks a critical juncture in Yoka's professional career as he seeks to reestablish himself in the heavyweight division.​

Tony Yoka, aged 32, gained international prominence by securing a gold medal in the super heavyweight category at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Transitioning to the professional circuit in 2017, Yoka demonstrated early promise, advancing to ten-round bouts by his fourth professional fight. However, his ascent faced challenges with consecutive decision losses to Martin Bakole, Carlos Takam, and Ryad Merhy between 2022 and 2023. These setbacks prompted a change in his training regimen, leading Yoka to part ways with coach Virgil Hunter and switch to Don Charles. Under Charles's guidance, Yoka secured two victories in the UK during 2024, albeit against less prominent opponents. ​

Arslan Yallyev, 28, enters the upcoming bout with an unblemished record of 16-0, including 10 knockouts. Despite his impressive statistics, Yallyev remains relatively unknown on the international stage, having competed exclusively in Russia. His resume lacks high-profile adversaries, with Victor Emilio Ramirez being the most notable name among his opponents. This fight against Yoka represents Yallyev's first significant test outside his home country, offering an opportunity to showcase his capabilities to a broader audience.

For Yoka, this match is more than a return; it's a pivotal moment to demonstrate resilience and the ability to compete at a higher level than his recent competition. A victory could re-energize his career, while a loss would cast further doubt on his future. Conversely, Yallyev stands to gain substantial recognition and credibility should he overcome an Olympic gold medalist on foreign soil.​

Fight Details

• Date: May 17, 2025​
• Venue: Adidas Arena, Paris, France​
• Records: Tony Yoka (13-3, 11 KOs) vs. Arslan Yallyev (16-0, 10 KOs)​

The upcoming clash between Tony Yoka and Arslan Yallyev is laden with significance for both fighters. Yoka aims to reclaim some of his standing in the heavyweight division, while Yallyev seeks to establish himself as force to watch on the international stage.