Joe Joyce returns to the ring on Saturday, July 11, when he takes on unbeaten Russian heavyweight Artem Suslenkov in Moscow.
The fight sits on the undercard of Murat Gassiev WBA regular heavyweight title defense against Tony Yoka.
Joyce, 40, last fought in April 2025, dropping a unanimous decision to Filip Hrgovic for the vacant WBO international heavyweight title.
Before that, he lost an all-British clash to Derek Chisora at London's 02 arena in July 2024.
The 2016 Olympic silver medalist hold a pro record of 16 - 4, with 15 wins by knockout since turning pro in 2017.
Joyce said "I've spent the last year preparing, training, and wanting to be back in the ring. Thanks to IBA pro for the opportunity. My team and I are locked in, and Moscow should be ready for a big performance."
Suslenkov, 30 has a record of 14 - 0 with 9 knockout. He last fought in April, stopping Arthur Mann in three rounds.
The Russian hold the WBA continental gold and IBF European heavyweight titles and is seen as one of the divisions most dangerous rising contenders.
Suslenkov said "Joyce is powerful, technically sound, and very experienced, this is a serious challenge. I feel both excitement and full focus. Detailed preparation and the right tactics to neutralize his strength will be crucial. It's a chance to show my level and give the fans something to cheer about."
In the main event, WBA regular champion Murat Gassiev defends his title against Tony Yoka. Gassiev with a record of 33-1, is aiming to keep his spot as mandatory challenger to undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Under WBA rules, the regular champion is the automatic number one contender to the super title.
Usyk is currently required to face Gassiev after completing his WBO mandatory defense against Agit Kabayel.
If Usyk vacates the WBA belt, Gassiev could be elevated to full champion or ordered to fight for the vacant title.
Yoka returns after his scheduled bout with Lawrence Okolie was canceled.
WHY JOE JOYCE IS RETURNING BACK TO THE RING
At 40 Joe Joyce is stepping back into the square circle to prove his career is far from over.
After a 15 month competitive hiatus, the British heavyweight will travel into enemy territory to face the undefeated Russian contender Artem Suslenkov on July 11 in Moscow.
The vacant WBA continental heavyweight title will be on the line.
This high risk, high reward match-up is driven by three distinct motivation for Joe Joyce:
●RECLAIMING MOMENTUM: Sporting a record of 16-4 15 KOs, Joe Joyce is looking to snap a rough patch that culminated in a unanimous decision loss to Filip Hrgovic. He is fiercely motivated to taste victory again and prove he belongs at the top tier.
● DIVISION RANKINGS: Capturing the WBA continental title is a strategic move designed to vault Joyce back into the heavyweight divisions upper rankings and re-establish his championship aspirations.
●TACTICAL EVOLUTION: To prepare for this critical crossroads fight, Joyce has joined forces with legendary trainer SugarHill Steward, aiming to inject sharp strategic and technical adjustment into his signature pressure fighting style.
For Joyce, this is a must win to stay relevant. For Suslenkov, beating a former title challenge would launch him straight into the world title talk.
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