Overview
- In a video posted Tuesday, the 2016 Olympic champion said he will not change sporting nationality and will not represent the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the Olympics.
- Yoka said he plans to open a boxing academy in Kinshasa to mentor Congolese youth toward elite competition, including the Games.
- The heavyweight had shared a message from DRC sports minister Didier Budimbu touting an Olympic push and photos of a meeting with President Félix Tshisekedi, which he later contradicted.
- Talks are ongoing for a Congo-based rematch with Martin Bakole later this year, with both fighters holding licences from the Congolese boxing federation and no date or venue set.
- Reports note Olympic boxing’s amateur-only status for 2028, while Yoka continues a professional rebuild with four straight wins and has teased an imminent bout announcement.