Olympic champion Tony Yoka switches allegiance to DR Congo

Tony Yoka won Olympic boxing super heavyweight gold for France in 2016 and says he is aiming for a second title at the 2028 Los Angeles Games but this time for the Democratic Republic of Congo, the country of his father's birth.

The Paris-born 33-year-old, who would have to put his professional career on hold if he were to box in Los Angeles, went to the DRC a tew days ago before posting on X his ambition to represent the country in 2028.

"I am proud to shine a light on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the eyes of the world," he wrote late on Monday.

"Also to be able to honour my word and pay homage to the minister (for Sport in the DRC) Didier Budimbu who has instilled confidence in me for this adventure."

Yoka, who has a professional record of 15 victories and three defeats, shared a post by Budimbu, who said the boxer is "targeting Olympic gold for the DRC".

Budimbu added Yoka will "carry the Congolese flag into the ring with a national license" and "train tomorrow's elite in a dedicated academy" as well as promote the country's brand.

Yoka, who met DRC president Felix Tshisekedi according to photographs published by Budimbu, is on a run of four successive victories and is slated to next fight in April.