Joyce set for return in Moscow against Suslenkov

All four of Joe Joyce's professional defeats have come in his past five fights

>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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