Ex-Olympic boxing champ Tony Yoka switches sporting nationality to DR Congo

PARIS — French boxer Tony Yoka has switched his sporting nationality to the Democratic Republic of Congo — his father's country — with the ambition of winning another Olympic gold medal.

The 33-year-old Yoka was the super heavyweight champion at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

He was grateful to Congolese sports minister Didier Budimbu Ntubuanga.

“I'm proud to be able to help the Democratic Republic of Congo shine in the eyes of the world, as well as to honor my word and pay tribute to minister Didier Budimbu, who trusts me in this adventure,” Yoka said on his social networks late Monday.

The minister said Yoka's decision was “a major boost for national boxing.”

Boxers can change their sporting nationality after a three-year stand-down.

After an 84-fight amateur career, Yoka turned professional in 2017 and has a 15-3 (12 KOs) record that has fallen short of big expectations. He is trying to put his career back on track under the helm of British promoter Frank Warren.