Tony Yoka forfeits: the Gassiev shock canceled
The WBA light heavyweight title fight is canceled. A hard blow for French boxing.
Tony Yoka will not enter the ring to face Murat Gassiev. The boxing fight planned for the WBA light heavyweight world title is officially canceled, depriving the discipline of a major confrontation between two of its emblematic figures. This package puts an abrupt end to the organization of an event which promised to be a summit of French boxing.
Two French stars had to face each other for a prestigious belt, a rare scenario and highly anticipated by combat sports fans. Yoka's decision ruins the organization's plans and leaves the WBA lightweight championship in complete uncertainty as to its next owner. The cancellation comes at a time when the media coverage of the event was in full swing, marking a severe end to the enthusiasm aroused by this unique poster.
