Tony Yoka forced to withdraw from Murat Gassiev WBA heavyweight title shot due to back injury
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 04 Jul 2026
Replacement opponent to be announced for July 11 show in Moscow
Moscow, Russia — French heavyweight contender Tony Yoka has been ruled out of his scheduled WBA Heavyweight title bout with reigning champion Murat Gassiev due to a back injury sustained during training camp.
IBA Pro can confirm that the show on Saturday July 11th at Moscow’s VTB Arena will go ahead, however, with a replacement opponent for Gassiev’s first defence of his WBA title set to be announced imminently.
One of the sport’s premier power-punchers, Gassiev (33-2, 26 KOs) picked up the WBA strap with a sensational one-punch knockout of former champion Kubrat Pulev in December in Dubai.
Following news of Yoka’s withdrawal, IBA Pro have moved quickly to secure a top-level replacement and ensure July 11’s blockbuster showcase goes ahead.
Further updates regarding the opponent for the main event will follow in due time.
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