French heavyweight contender Tony Yoka has been ruled out of his scheduled WBA Heavyweight title bout with reigning champion Murat Gassiev due to a back injury sustained during training camp.

IBA Pro can confirm that the show on Saturday July 11th at Moscow’s VTB Arena will go ahead, however, with a replacement opponent for Gassiev’s first defence of his WBA title set to be announced imminently.

One of the sport’s premier power-punchers, Gassiev (33-2, 26 KOs) picked up the WBA strap with a sensational one-punch knockout of former champion Kubrat Pulev in December in Dubai.

Following news of Yoka’s withdrawal, IBA Pro have moved quickly to secure a top-level replacement and ensure July 11’s blockbuster showcase goes ahead.

Further updates regarding the opponent for the main event will follow in due time.