Boxing
Is Suslenkov loss end of the line for British trooper Joyce?
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Joe Joyce's latest comeback came to a shuddering halt on Saturday night - but perhaps, now, this may finally be the end.
The Rio 2016 favourite-turned-heavyweight contender was once the great hope of British boxing, a future champion-elect.
With a silver medal in South America - one many felt should have been gold - and Team GB pedigree, he was hot property.
But now, after a fifth loss in his past six fights - and a loss where he appeared to quit in the ring - questions must be asked.
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Joyce has been a fine servant for British boxing. He has delivered his fair share of memorable nights, both home and away.
Yet after defeat against Artem Suslenkov, the alarm bells must surely be ringing - and to many, they're calling for retirement.
How did Joyce fare against Suslenkov?
Ahead of his bout, the Briton had spoken about his desire to reach the summit, his hopes to climb back towards Everest.
His rival's elevated speed with the hands had exposed his lack of pace early on though, and he was hurt in the fourth round.
An ability to soak up punishment perhaps extended the fight further than it should have gone as it entered the latter stages.
Ultimately though, Suslenkov found his breakthrough, with a crunching combination in the eleventh round to stagger Joyce.
The latter appeared to wave his right glove in surrender - and after a few more shots, referee Gustavo Padilla called it off.
Should Joyce have already retired?
This is the big question that has followed the 40-year-old's footsteps for a while now, with plenty of concern for his health.
Long-time promoter Frank Warren suggested that Joyce should consider his livelihood after last April's loss to Filip Hrgovic.
That defeat came on the back of losses to Derek Chisora and Zhilei Zhang, with the Chinese star handing him two defeats.
Only a late 2024 knockout against Kash Ali registers as a triumph in recent times for Joyce. It is a worrying slide in ability.
This is the man who defeated Daniel Dubois and Jospeh Parker half-a-decade ago. Now, he seems a shadow of his old self.
What will Joyce do next?
There will be questions over what comes next, though Joyce is unlikely to be rushed into a decision without considering it.
This defeat against Suslenkov will still be raw for the star and his team, a disappointing setback in their roadmap for 2026.
If Joyce does choose to fight on however, it is hard to see how a path can open itself up again towards the summit right now.
With his advancing years, time is effectively up to mount a credible challenge unless a favourable ranking slot is bestowed.
But if he does call time now, then the star at least still has some great memories to savour - and with it, a place in history too.
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