Joyce confirms Moscow trip to face Suslenkov for WBA title
Joe Joyce will travel to Russia to challenge Artem Suslenkov for the WBA Continental heavyweight title on July 11. The former Commonwealth champion confirmed the bout in a statement released through IBA Pro.
“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.”
— Joe Joyce, via BBC Sport
What Joe Joyce said
Joyce is taking a mandatory route through a regional WBA belt against Suslenkov. The bout marks his first appearance in Russia and his first fight under the IBA Pro banner. Joyce has campaigned at heavyweight throughout his professional career.
What it moves
Joyce's willingness to fight abroad signals he is chasing ranking points rather than a home advantage. The WBA Continental strap could position him for a full sanctioning-body shot if he wins. Suslenkov's response to the summer date has not been made public.
Source: bbc.com. Full Joe Joyce fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.
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