Tony Yoka: “It was a difficult period, but I’m coming back”

Tony Yoka (11-2, 9 KO), Olympic heavyweight champion, will put his career on the line on December 9 in Paris in a fight with Riad Merhi (31-2, 26 KOs).

“I’m returning after two defeats, but also two very difficult years in my personal life. I need to come back with a convincing victory and make a good impression to show others that I'm still here and it was just an accident at work. “I had various problems, but now I intend to rise to the top,” said the Frenchman, who has been training for several weeks under the guidance of Don Charles, known for his collaboration with Chisora, Dubois and the young Joshua back in Olympic boxing.

“I changed everything, changed the country and coach. Now I am with Don Charles in England. During my training, I changed my style, as well as my mentality and way of thinking. I know how important this fight will be for me and I’m already looking forward to it. I understand that many have already written me off. Merhi is a good opponent for this comeback. If everything goes according to plan, I would like to have another fight at the turn of March and April against a stronger and much higher ranked opponent. I definitely need more fights,” Yoka added.