Artem Suslenkov Stops Joe Joyce In 11, Raises More Retirement Questions

Despite giving away size, Suslenkov controlled long stretches of the contest with accurate straight punches and hooks while Joyce found it increasingly difficult to mount sustained offense. The British veteran continued pressing forward, but his punches lacked the snap needed to slow the aggressive Russian.

Joyce absorbed heavy punishment through the middle rounds and relied on his trademark durability to remain in the fight. By the championship rounds, however, the pace and accumulated damage had taken their toll.

The fight ended in the 11th round after Suslenkov landed another series of clean power shots. Joyce stepped backward and raised his right hand toward the referee without being knocked down. The official immediately halted the contest, awarding Suslenkov an 11th-round technical knockout victory.

The victory is the biggest of Suslenkov’s professional career and keeps his unbeaten record intact while moving him closer to bigger opportunities in the heavyweight division.

Joyce has now lost five of his last six fights. The Olympic silver medalist, once regarded as one of Britain’s leading heavyweight contenders following victories over Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker, now faces renewed questions about his future after another punishing defeat at age 40.

The bout served as the co-main event of the IBA Pro 19 card and marked Joyce’s first appearance in more than a year following his unanimous decision loss to Filip Hrgovic.

Suslenkov improved to 15-0 (10 KOs). The WBA Continental and IBF European heavyweight champion entered the fight ranked No. 9 by the WBA and secured the highest-profile victory of his career by defeating the former interim world title challenger.