The 40-year-old, who won Olympic silver a decade ago this summer, will face undefeated Artem Suslenkov in a 10-round bout at VTB Arena, Moscow.

The pair will clash on the undercard of the IBA Pro event headlined by Murat Gassiev’s clash with Tony Yoka.

Joyce (16-4, 15 KOs) has not boxed since his 10-round points defeat to Filip Hrgovic in Manchester on April 5 last year.

The result meant "The Juggernaut" has now lost four of his last five, following back-to-back stoppages to Zhilei Zhang in 2023 as well as a points defeat to Derek Chisora in July 2024.

It was not clear whether Joyce would ever box again but the heavyweight from Putney, West London has decided to try his hand again and has linked up with Sugar Hill Steward for his comeback. The former WBO interim titleholder is optimistic about being granted another opportunity to re-establish his heavyweight standing.

"I've spent the last year preparing, training and wanting to be back in the ring," Joyce said in a press release Monday.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to travel to Russia, my team and I are locked in and Moscow should get ready for a big performance."

In his way is 30-year-old Suslenkov (14-0, 9 KOs) who has been building steadily since making his professional debut logging two fights in 12 days during a busy December 2018 stretch. He is yet to mix with anyone of Joyce's calibre, having recently scored a third-round stoppage win over former cruiserweight Artur Mann on April 17.

Even so, Suslenko has worked his way into the No. 9 position with the WBA and will know victory over Joyce, once tipped as a future world heavyweight champion, will fire him closer to the division's top tier.

However, at 6-foot-1 and around 240 pounds, he will have concede significant physical disadvantages against 6ft 6in Joyce, who has weighed as much as 286 pounds on fight night.

"Joyce is a powerful opponent with strong technique and vast experience," Suslenkov said in the same release.

"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."