Tony Yoka believes a battle with Anthony Joshua may happen in Ghana in December.
The Frenchman has been linked as a potential opponent for AJ in current weeks as hypothesis ramps up over the Watford powerhouse’s subsequent steps.
Joshua hasn’t boxed since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois final September, however is anticipated to return to the ring on the again finish of this yr.
Studies persist that Joshua may meet YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a crossover conflict within the coming months.
Nevertheless, Yoka insists the Brit’s crew are scouting areas for a showdown with him in Africa.
“His crew has simply left for Ghana to see what the sports activities amenities are like,” Yoka instructed L’Equipe.
“There’s a risk that the battle will happen in Africa.
“Lots of people are speaking about it, and it may revive boxing in France.
“If it involves fruition, it’s going to certainly generate huge curiosity.”
Regardless of Yoka’s confidence that the battle will occur, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn insists that Paul stays the ‘frontrunner’ to field his shopper subsequent.
Final week, he even went so far as to counsel that there have been no talks with Yoka’s crew.
But the Parisians’ co-promoter Yohan Zaoui claims AJ instructed him that he was ’90 per cent certain’ he could be dealing with Yoka subsequent once they ran into one another in Southern Cyprus.
“Who do I run into this morning on the pool? Joshua!” Zaoui instructed L’Equipe.
“He’s additionally on trip along with his household, along with his youthful brother and his nieces and nephews. I chatted with him for a couple of minutes. He’s humble and sort…
“He instructed me that his subsequent opponent will surely be French.
“He instructed me that he had the choice of dealing with the American YouTuber Jake Paul, however that 90 per cent of the time it might be Yoka.
“I requested him his prediction. He instructed me that there was no straightforward battle.”
Yoka succeeded Joshua because the Olympic tremendous heavyweight gold medallist at Rio 2016, however has struggled to regulate to life within the skilled ranks.
After an ideal 11-0 begin, he suffered a three-fight skid to Martin Bakole, Carlos Takam, and Ryad Merhy earlier than subsequently linking up with new coach Don Charles in an try and revive his profession.
Charles famously masterminded Dubois’ victory over Joshua final yr and has guided Yoka to a few wins in 12 months.-talksport
