Britain's Joe Joyce will face unbeaten Russian heavyweight Artem Suslenkov on the undercard of Murat Gassiev vs Tony Yoka on Saturday July 11 in Moscow, it has been confirmed.
Joyce, who is now 40 years old, last fought in April 2025 when he lost to Croatian Filip Hrgovic by unanimous decision for the vacant WBO international heavyweight title.
Previous to that, Joyce lost an all-British contest against Derek Chisora at London's 02 arena in July 2024.
A 2016 Olympic Games silver medallist for Team GB, Joyce's professional boxing record since turning pro in 2017 reads 16 wins, four losses - with 15 victories by knockout.
"I've spent the last year preparing, training and wanting to be back in the ring," Joyce said.
"Thank you to IBA Pro for the opportunity. My team and I are locked in and Moscow should get ready for a big performance."
Suslenkov, 30, has an unblemished professional record of 14 victories - nine by knockout - last fighting in April of this year against Kazakh-German boxer Artur Mann, winning by knockout in the third round.
The Russian holds the WBA continental gold heavyweight title and IBF European heavyweight title and is considered one of the division's most dangerous rising contenders.
"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."
On the same July date, Gassiev will defend his WBA heavyweight title against Yoka in Moscow.
WBA regular champion Gassiev goes in search of a 34th professional victory as he looks to preserve his position as the mandatory challenger to Super champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Under WBA rules, the regular champion is treated as the automatic No 1 contender to the super title.
Unbeaten unified heavyweight champion Usyk is currently obligated to defend his WBA belt against Gassiev after completing a mandatory defence of his WBC title against Agit Kabayel.
If Usyk vacates the WBA title, Gassiev could either be elevated to full champion or ordered to fight for the vacant belt.
Zuffa Boxing shows are scheduled in Las Vegas on June 28 and New York on July 26 ahead of their first Irish show in Dublin on August 8, with all three live and exclusive in the UK and Ireland on Your Site. or .
