WBA Continental heavyweight title holder Artem Suslenkov (RUS, 14-0, 9 KOs) believes a victory over Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce (GBR, 16-4, 15 KOs) can take him to a new level of international recognition.

Their 12-round bout will serve as the co-main event of IBA.PRO 19, which will take place on 11 July at VTB Arena in Moscow.

“Joe Joyce is a good opponent with a strong record. Boxers of this level have not come to Russia for a long time. When I was offered this fight, there was no hesitation. We spoke with the team and immediately decided to go for it.

“Joyce’s strength is that he always comes forward. But I also come forward — that is my strength as well. Two forces will collide, and I like that. I will not have to chase my opponent around the ring, as is usually the case.

“My team and I are doing everything to make sure I can win this fight by knockout. I am not afraid of losing and losing my zero in the loss column. It has stayed there, and it will stay there.

“I am the best boxer in Russia and I will prove it on 11 July. You will see everything for yourselves, and after that people will be talking about me,” Suslenkov said.

In his most recent fight, the 30-year-old Suslenkov stopped Artur Mann (GER) by technical knockout in Serpukhov in April. The Russian also holds the IBF European heavyweight title and is ranked ninth by the WBA.

Joyce remains one of the best-known British heavyweights of recent years. During his professional career, he has faced Daniel Dubois, Zhang Zhilei, Filip Hrgovic, Derek Chisora, Carlos Takam, Joseph Parker, Christian Hammer, Bryant Jennings, Alexander Ustinov and Bermane Stiverne.

Before turning professional, Joyce won Olympic silver in 2016, World Championships bronze, European Games gold and European Championships bronze.

In the Rio 2016 Olympic final, Joyce lost to Tony Yoka (FRA), who will headline IBA.PRO 19 in Moscow against WBA heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev (RUS).

IBA.PRO 19 will be organised by the International Boxing Association with the support of IBA President Umar Kremlev and the Russian Boxing Federation.

Tickets for IBA.PRO 19 at VTB Arena are available via the official ticketing page.