The Paris-born 33-year-old, who captured Olympic gold for France at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, recently visited the DRC, the homeland of his father, before revealing his intentions on X. “I am proud to shine a light on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the eyes of the world,” Yoka wrote. He added that the move also allowed him to honor his commitment to the country’s Minister of Sport, Didier Budimbu, who has encouraged him to pursue this new chapter.
Yoka, whose professional record currently stands at 15 wins and three losses, shared a post from Budimbu, who confirmed that the boxer is “targeting Olympic gold for the DRC.” The minister also indicated that Yoka will carry the Congolese flag into the ring with a national license, work to train the next generation of athletes in a dedicated academy, and help promote the country’s global sporting profile.
Photographs released by Budimbu show Yoka meeting Felix Tshisekedi, underscoring the high-profile nature of the announcement. Currently on a four-fight winning streak, Yoka is scheduled to fight again in April, though he would need to pause his professional career to compete in the Olympics.
The development reflects a broader trend of athletes representing countries tied to their heritage, highlighting the intersection of personal identity, national pride, and global sport. For the DRC, securing an Olympic champion in Yoka represents a potential boost to the country’s visibility on the international stage and its investment in sports development.