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Home » Tony Yoka anti-doping ban suspended despite FOUR MISSED TESTS, allowed to fight on

Tony Yoka anti-doping ban suspended despite FOUR MISSED TESTS, allowed to fight on

The 2016 Olympic champion, who defeated Joe Joyce in the final of a hotly-debated outcome, could have faced a two-year ban if anything was found in his system.

Turning pro last June, Yoka has been tipped as a future world champion and is looking for a fourth victory in the paid ranks next month.

According to a report in L’Equipe, Yoka failed to give several samples, including prior to his December clash with Ali Baghouz.

There’s no suggestion Yoka is doping at this point, with the 12 month suspended term solely due to his non-compliance of the procedures in place.

On the AFLD (French anti-doping) website, it is confirmed that missing three tests or above would result in the punishment dished out to Yoka.

“If the Athlete commits three breaches of any kind during a period of twelve consecutive months, the AFLD shall forward to the competent Federation a statement of offense causing the person concerned to be suspended for a period of between one year (two years, if found to be doping)

“In accordance with the standard disciplinary regulation approved by the sports federations, relating to the fight against human doping (Article R. 232-86 of the Sports Code). 

“The regulation in force does not provide for a stay, except in a particular case, that of substantial assistance when an athlete gives information on other cases of doping.

“In this case alone, it allows for a portion of the sentence to be suspended.”

 Yoka’s lawyer, Arnaud Pericard told L’Equipe the fighter had indeed been punished.

“Tony has sinned for lack of rigor, he assumes and since he has organized much better. It is a problem of form and procedure more than of substance.

“At no time did Tony Yoka attempt to conceal any doping situation, which is what the Federation’s Anti-Doping Commission recognized and notified,” he said.

The 25 year-old’s next bout scheduled for April 7 against Cyril Leonet in Paris.

Recently, Yoka had been part of Joseph Parker’s training camp for the New Zealander’s unification with Anthony Joshua on March 31.