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.”