Don Charles says major heavyweight clash that would be an Olympic final rematch has been discussed

Don Charles has welcomed an Olympic final rematch between Tony Yoka and Joe Joyce to take place sometime this year. 

Despite being the leading amateurs for a number of years, both fighters have failed to replicate that success in the professional code, and one more defeat for either fighter could signal the end of their career. 

This past weekend, Yoka registered an impressive win to remind people of his qualities as he won a decision over the unbeaten Arslan Yellyev. 

Yoka had once been considered one of the brightest prospects in the heavyweight division, but a shocking run of form saw him lose to Martin Bakole and Carlos Takam meaning his top-level ambitions were in serious doubt. 

Now trained by Don Charles, Yoka has put together a decent streak as he looks to finally fulfil his potential and he could get one step closer to that by beating Joyce. 

The Olympic silver medal recipient has endured numerous defeats recent years with Derek Chisora, Zhilei Zhang, and Filip Hrgovic all scoring wins over the Brit.  

Joyce and Yoka desperately need a big win and by facing each other, nine years on from their Olympic final, the intriguing battle also has a suitable narrative. 

"Yoka had a good win over an unbeaten Russian,” said Charles when speaking to BoxingScene. 

“I mentioned it to Frank [Warren] a while back because they fought each other in Rio, and I thought Joe won the fight in Rio. If Joe Joyce was awarded gold no one would have said anything.  

As a Brit I was cheering Joyce on, but now Tony is my guy. I welcome that fight all day long if it materialises. It’s a rematch between the Olympic gold and silver medallist.”