Gassiev (33-2, 26 KOs) has not boxed since he claimed a secondary WBA belt via a sixth-round knockout of Kubrat Pulev in Dubai on December 12.

And now it has been confirmed that the Russian will put the strap on the line for the first time against Yoka.

The 34-year-old from Paris has also been out of action since December but had been expecting to face Lawrence Okolie last month. However their fight, scheduled for April 25, was cancelled when Okolie returned an adverse finding following a VADA test in the build-up.

Now Yoka will face another former cruiserweight world champion in the form of Gassiev at Moscow’s VTB Arena as the headline fight at the next IBA Pro event.

Per a press release from the organisation, Gassiev said: “Tony Yoka is a tremendous champion, an Olympic gold medalist, a big, strong heavyweight with serious skills. I have huge respect for him.”

Gassiev, who is currently The Ring’s No. 9-rated heavyweight, had been linked with an August 8 clash with Moses Itauma in London. Yoka (15-3, 12 KOs) is not currently ranked inside the top 10.

Whoever wins in Moscow will put themselves in line for a crack at the full WBA title, which will be on the line should Oleksandr Usyk and Agit Kabayel rubber stamp their mooted summer clash.