Joyce to feature on heavyweight title fight undercard.
Former world-ranked heavyweight contender Joe Joyce will be trundling back into action after over 14 months out of the ring, the longest layoff of his career.
When last he fought, “The Juggernaut” gave Filip Hrgovic a surprisingly competitive fight before ultimately coming short on the cards.
That bout arrived after a gruelling points loss to Derek Chisora, someone fans wouldn’t have imagined Joyce would lose to a few years ago.
In late 2022, the Londoner was seen as one of the best heavyweights in the world. His chin was thought to be unbreakable, and his knockout of Joseph Parker proved he carried more than enough power.
It all crumbled to dust at the hands of a 6’6″ puncher from China called Zhilei Zhang. And when you are hit by the man known as “Big Bang”, your chin being unbreakable means nothing.
Joyce found this out when he was felled by his foe twice, the second time seeing him dropped for the first time in his career.
Since then, the Englishman has seemingly lost something he once had. Nowadays, he isn’t considered amongst the very best in the world. And at 40 years old, he doesn’t have the time to rebuild himself.
He can still appear in plenty of fun fights, though.
Well, his next assignment has now been made official, as Joyce (16-4, 15 KOs) will be taking on the unbeaten Artem Suslenkov (14-0, 9 KOs) at the VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia. Their fight will be for the WBA Continental heavyweight title.
The bout will be taking place on the 11th of July on the undercard of the meeting between Murat Gassiev and Tony Yoka for the WBA (Regular) heavyweight title.
10 years Joyce’s junior, Suslenkov’s most notable wins come against Agron Smakici, Artur Mann, and Christian Hammer. Should he emerge victorious, Joyce will arguably be the best win of his career.
🥊 Announced: Former Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce returns against unbeaten Artem Suslenkov on the undercard of Murat Gassiev vs Tony Yoka on July 11th in Moscow. pic.twitter.com/j1sGyYKehO
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) June 8, 2026
Want to get the latest boxing news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
