Joe Joyce Returns July 11 Against Unbeaten Artem Suslenkov

Former Olympic silver medalist ends lengthy layoff with heavyweight bout in Moscow on the Murat Gassiev undercard

Joe Joyce will return to the ring on July 11 against unbeaten heavyweight Artem Suslenkov in Moscow, Russia. The fight marks Joyce’s first appearance since his loss to Filip Hrgovic and gives the British heavyweight an opportunity to halt a difficult run of results.

The bout will take place on the undercard of Murat Gassiev’s WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight title defense against Tony Yoka.

“I’ve spent the last year preparing, training, and wanting to be back in the ring,” said Joyce. “I’m excited for the opportunity to travel to Russia. My team and I are locked in, and Moscow should get ready for a big performance.”

Suslenkov enters the fight unbeaten and currently holds the No. 9 position in the WBA heavyweight rankings.

“Joyce is a powerful opponent with strong technique and vast experience,” said Suslenkov. “This is a serious challenge. I feel both excitement and full focus. Meticulous preparation and the right tactics to neutralize his strengths will be crucial.

“This is a chance to show my level and give the fans something to cheer about. Joyce is a strong, pressure-fighting heavyweight with heavy hands and a great deal of experience.”

Joyce (16-4, 15 KOs) has not fought since losing a unanimous decision to Filip Hrgovic in April 2025. The former Olympic silver medalist has won one of his last five fights, with defeats to Hrgovic, Derek Chisora, and Zhilei Zhang during that stretch. His lone victory during that run came against Kash Ali in March 2024.

Suslenkov (14-0, 9 KOs) will be facing the most experienced opponent of his professional career. The unbeaten Russian has recorded nine knockouts in his 14 professional victories to date.

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