Joe Joyce vs Artem Suslenkov: Date, start time and where to watch ‘The Juggernaut’s’ comeback

Joe Joyce ends a 16-month lay-off this weekend to lock horns with Artem Suslenkov in the Russian’s backyard.

Joyce (16-4) has been on a significant downturn in form since suffering consecutive stoppage losses to Zhilei Zhang in 2023.

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Before the Zhang fights, Joyce had been on the cusp of a world title fight, having dispatched Joseph Parker in 11 rounds to claim the WBO interim title.

But now, the rugged 40-year-old veteran finds himself in the ‘Who Needs Them Club’ with four losses from his last five outings.

Joyce is hoping to inject new life into his faltering career by taking the scalp of the unbeaten Suslenkov.

Suslenkov (14-0) has built his record against European-level gatekeepers like Artur Mann and Agron Smakici, but does hold a decent win over former cruiserweight title challenger Michael Hunter in an IBA pro bout.

He is the calibre of fighter that Joyce would have walked through at the peak of his powers.

It is simply a case of how much ‘The Juggernaut’ has left come fight night.

Joyce vs Suslenkov: Date and venue

Joyce and Suslenkov are set to square off at the VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia, on Saturday, July 11.

Joyce vs Suslenkov: Where to watch and start time

The heavyweights are acting as chief support for Murat Gassiev’s makeshift WBA title defence against Peter Kadiru and will therefore make their way to the ring at around 7.30pm UK time (9.30pm MST, 3.30pm EST), 30 minutes before the main event.

All of the action is being streamed live on DAZN, with coverage getting underway at 1pm BST (4pm UTC and 8am ET).

talkSPORT.com will cover the fight, while any reaction will be picked up on air.

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Joyce vs Suslenkov: Undercard

• Murat Gassiev vs Peter Kadiru – WBA heavyweight title
• Joe Joyce vs Artem Suslenkov – Heavyweight
• Murad Khalidov vs Arslan Yallyev – Heavyweight
• Aleksei Egorov vs David Dzukaev – Cruiserweight
• Sharabutdin Ataev vs Jose Uzcategui – Light heavyweight
• Tamerland Ozdoev vs Shivam – Lightweight
• Vyacheslav Rogozin vs RV Deniega – Bantamweight

Joyce vs Suslenkov: What has been said?

Joyce said: “I’ve spent the last year 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. 

“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 added: “Joyce is a powerful opponent with strong technique and vast experience.

“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. 

“Joyce is a strong, pressure-fighting heavyweight with heavy hands and a great deal of experience.”

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