The IBA announced that Murat Gassiev's planned defense of his WBA regular heavyweight title will go on. The uly 11th show in Moscow was thrown into jeopardy yesterday when French heavyweight Tony Yoka was forced to withdraw with a back injury. But the IBA quickly announced, "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 defene set to be announced imminently." Gassiev (33-2, 26 KOs) picked up the WBA's secondary strap with a one-punch knockout of former champion Kubrat Pulev in December in Dubai. The IBA added, "Further updates regarding the opponent for the main event will follow in due time."

 

PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE

 

JULY 2, 2026: French heavyweight Tony Yoka has withdrawn from his bout against Russia's Murat Gassiev, which was scheduled for July 11th in Moscow for Gassiev's WBA regular title. The move was caused by an injury to Yoka, according to reports by journalist Dan Rafael and L’Équipe. Yoka is on a run of very bad luck -- this latest setback follows the cancellation of his previous scheduled bout—set for April 25th in Paris against Britain's Lawrence Okolie, who was at the time WBC #1 contender. Okolie tested positive in a doping test four days before the fight. Yoka had been on a four-fight winning streak prior to that. Reports are that Gassiev is looking for a replacement opponent,