French heavyweight Tony Yoka has been forced out of his July 11 bout against WBA heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev due to a back injury. Promoters are searching for a replacement opponent, with Joe Joyce emerging as the most likely candidate. Joyce was already scheduled to appear on the same card against Artyom Suslenkov, who would in turn need a new opponent if that matchup changes.
French heavyweight Tony Yoka has been pulled from his scheduled July 11 clash with WBA heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev due to a back injury, leaving promoters scrambling to fill the headline slot just days before the event.
With Yoka out, Joe Joyce has emerged as the most likely replacement to step in against Gassiev. Joyce was already set to compete on the same card, facing Artyom Suslenkov, meaning any reshuffling of the matchups would create a ripple effect — Suslenkov would also need a new opponent if Joyce moves up to face the champion.
Why it matters
- A last-minute replacement fight against a reigning WBA heavyweight champion carries significant title implications for whoever steps in
- Joyce's potential elevation from his original booking highlights how thin the available heavyweight pool can be at short notice
- The card's overall structure remains unsettled, with at least two bouts potentially needing reorganization before July 11
