Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, All four of Joe Joyce's professional defeats have come in his past five fights
ByKeifer MacDonaldBBC Sport journalist- Published7 minutes ago
Britain's Joe Joyce will return to the ring for the first time in more than a year when he challenges undefeated Russian heavyweight Artem Suslenkov for the WBA Continental title in Moscow on 11 July.
Joyce, 40, has been out of action since he lost to Filip Hrgovic by unanimous decision for the vacant WBO international heavyweight title in April 2025.
The 2016 Olympic silver medallist has lost four of his past five fights, with his last victory coming against Kash Ali in March 2024.
After the Hrgovic defeat, Joyce's promoter Frank Warren said he needed to have a "real serious think about the future".
But despite the setbacks, Joyce - who has a professional record of 16 wins and four losses - says he has spent the past 12 months "preparing, training and wanting to be back in the ring".
"I'm excited for the opportunity to travel to Russia and challenge for the WBA Continental heavyweight title on July 11," added Joyce.
"Thank you to IBA Pro for the opportunity. My team and I are locked in and Moscow should get ready for a big performance."
Suslenkov, 30, comes into the fight with a perfect record from his 14 professional fights, with nine of his victories coming by way of knockout.
The Volgograd-born heavyweight last fought in April when he successfully defended his WBA Continental title against Artur Mann.
The stoppage victory moved Suslenkov into the WBA's top 10 heavyweight rankings for the first time.
"Joyce is a powerful opponent with strong technique and vast experience. This is a serious challenge," said Suslenkov. "I feel both excitement and full focus.
"This is a chance to show my level and give the fans something to cheer about."
The IBA Pro 19 card will be headlined by Murat Gassiev's defence of his WBA heavyweight title against Tony Yoka.
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