Tony Yoka vs Martin Bakole possible for December 11th in France

2016 super heavyweight gold medalist Tony Yoka might face his first real professional test next month. Billy Nelson, trainer of Martin Bakole, tells Sky Sports that his charge “has accepted an offer to fight Yoka in France in December” and is “just waiting on confirmation.”

Mike Coppinger previously revealed that Bakole (17-1, 13 KO) accepted the $350,000 offer three weeks back. No telling what the holdup is.

Things have been more than a little turbulent for France’s Yoka (11-0, 9 KO) since his triumph in Rio, which is now under fresh scrutiny after Richard McLaren’s investigation showed a number of fixed fights. Beyond a number of drug testing issues and a lack of elite competition, he just this morning announced his divorce from fellow gold medalist Estelle Mossely.

Should the fight actually happen, Bakole could be a rough introduction to the world stage. He’s looked very solid since his 2018 upset loss to Michael Hunter, winning six straight and scoring five knockouts along the way.

Again, nothing’s final yet, but it’s worth keeping an eye on this one.