Saturday evening at the Accor Arena, for the first big test of his career, Tony Yoka was no match for Martin Bakole (1.98 m, 125.6 kg, 28 years old, now 18 wins and 1 loss ). The 2016 Olympic champion (2.01 m, 106.9 kg, 30 years old, 11 wins and now 1 loss) lost on points by split decision of the judges for the first time in his professional career.
Seeing Tony Yoka put his knees on the ground in the first round, the Parisian public quickly understood that this duel would be complicated for the Frenchman. The sixteen blows received in the first round quickly marked the body of the tricolor boxer. But despite his swollen face, he held on bravely. Yoka first tried to lower the pace of the fight in the 3rd round, before delivering a few unsuccessful blows to his opponent.
“It’s time to go back to work, maybe change some things”
Facing the French, the sparring partner from Joshua, Usyk or Fury took none of the hits, never backed down. On the 5th round, Yoka twisted his ankle and found himself with his fist on the ground in front of Bakole. As a symbol of his impotence this Saturday evening.
The judges’ decision ultimately makes sense, with two of the three judges declaring the Congolese the winner, with the last announcing a tie. In the ring, Yoka appeared very marked by this defeat, recognizing the superiority of his opponent. “Martin was the strongesthe declared, his throat knotted, at the microphone of Canal +. It’s time to go back to work, maybe change some things. »