Russian heavyweight Artem Suslenkov (17-1 including IBA Pro and World Series of Boxing bouts) believes a victory over 2016 Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce can take him to a new level of international recognition. Their 12-round bout will serve take place on July 11th at VTB Arena in Moscow. Suslenkov, a fringe contender with a win over Michael Hunter, said, “Joyce is a good opponent with a strong record. Boxers of this level have not come to Russia for a long time. When I was offered this fight, there was no hesitation. We spoke with the team and immediately decided to go for it. “Joyce’s strength is that he always comes forward. But I also come forward — that is my strength as well. Two forces will collide, and I like that. I will not have to chase my opponent around the ring, as is usually the case. My team and I are doing everything to make sure I can win this fight by knockout. I am not afraid of losing and losing my zero in the loss column. It has stayed there, and it will stay there."
Suslenkov added, “I am the best boxer in Russia and I will prove it on July 11th. You will see everything for yourselves, and after that people will be talking about me,” Suslenkov said. In his most recent fight, the 30 year-old Suslenkov stopped Artur Mann of Germany by technical knockout in Serpukhov in April..
Joyce remains one of the best-known British heavyweights of recent years. During his professional career, he has faced Daniel Dubois, Zhang Zhilei, Filip Hrgovic, Derek Chisora, Carlos Takam, Joseph Parker, Christian Hammer, Bryant Jennings, Alexander Ustinov and Bermane Stiverne. Before turning professional, Joyce won Olympic silver in 2016, World Championships bronze, European Games gold and European Championships bronze.
In the 2016 Olympic final, Joyce lost to Tony Yoka of France, who will headline IBA.PRO 19 in Moscow against WBA regular heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev.
PRIOR BOXNGTALK COVERAGE
JUNE 9, 2026: Joe Joyce will end a year-plus hiatus from the ring when he faces Russian heavyweight Artem Suslenkov (17-1 including IBA Pro and World Series of Boxing bouts) this July in Moscow. The 2016 Olympic silver medal winner will form part of the undercard beneath gold-medal rival Tony Yoka's headline bout with WBA regular champion Murat Gassiev. Joyce faced questions about his future after his last bout, when he suffered a unanimous decision loss against Filip Hrgovic in Manchester. But despite having lost four of his past five fights, the Olympian is determined to fight on, and believes he can deliver the goods in his comeback. "I've spent the last year preparing, training and wanting to be back in the ring," Joyce was quoted by Sky Sports News. "My team and I are locked in."
Suslenkov echoed his rival's sentiments, and suggested that an opponent of the Briton's calibre would allow him to showcase his own pro growth. "Joyce is a powerful opponent with strong technique and vast experience," Suslenkov said. This is a serious challenge. I feel both excitement and full focus.
"Meticulous preparation and the right tactics to neutralise his strengths will be crucial. This is a chance to show my level and give the fans something to cheer about."
Forty years old and determined to prove he still belongs among the glamour division's bigger names, Joe Joyce is finally back in action. Truthfully, many had wondered if the star had opted to quietly reverse his original call to fight on since last April's loss to Hrgovic. Throw in his defeat to Derek Chisora, and those two reverses against Zhilei Zhang, and there must be questions for the star's team.
Joyce has arguably looked a shadow of his former self in his last few outings. Frank Warren raised concerns after his last outing. But for now, Joyce will soldier on, ironically back in the reach of his old amateur foe Tony Yoka from a decade ago.
