Chris Billam-Smith returns to Bournemouth on June 6 to fight Ryan Rozicki, live on Sky Sports.
It will be the first British event for new promotional powerhouse Zuffa Boxing and their first on UK soil live on Sky Sports.
The high-octane cruiserweight clash between hometown hero Billam-Smith and Canadian knockout artist Rozicki headlines the ZUFFA BOXING 07 event.
They will fight at the Bournemouth International Centre where Billam-Smith has previously starred in spectacular fights in front of his vociferous supporters.
Billam-Smith, 21-2 (13), is one of the most decorated British fighters in recent memory, having captured British, Commonwealth and European honours before winning a world title in 2023.
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Watch Ryan Rozicki’s most explosive knockouts ahead of his Bournemouth showdown with Chris Billam-Smith on Saturday June 6
He has fought in Bournemouth eight times, including three sold-out events at the Bournemouth International Centre where he beat Isaac Chamberlain in a 12-round thriller and dispatched Armend Xhoxhaj with a stunning finish.
Billam-Smith has acquired a reputation for being one of the most exciting boxers in the UK and has regularly featured in stadium fights. He beat Lawrence Okolie at the Vitality Stadium to become a world champion for the first time before successfully defending his WBO title against Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park.
After losing to Gilberto Ramirez in Saudi Arabia he came back to beat Brandon Glanton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year.
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Former cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith has signed with Zuffa boxing and he already has Jai Opetaia in his sights
“I’m coming home. This is a huge opportunity for me back in front of my amazing supporters. Sky Sports know just how incredible these fight nights are in Bournemouth and this one will be no different,” Billam-Smith said.
“Zuffa Boxing is all about proper fights under the lights and that’s exactly what Rozicki brings to the table.”
Rozicki is a dangerous puncher himself, as his 21-1-1 (20) record would suggest. The fighter from Sydney Forks, Canada has actually never lost at cruiserweight. His lone defeat came against Oscar Rivas in a bout that was made over the cruiserweight limit. Since that bout in 2021 he is unbeaten in nine fights with seven stoppage wins.
A pro since 2016, 19 of Rozicki’s knockouts have come in three rounds or less.
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Former boxing World Champion Chris Billam-Smith remembers Golden Goal heartbreak at Wembley, dressing up as Tweety Pie when Bournemouth were promoted to the Premier League, and makes a promise to do it again if they qualify for Europe
“It’s a tough fight, and that’s exactly what I wanted when I signed with Zuffa Boxing,” Rozicki said of Billam-Smith.
“I know what he brings, and I respect that. But he hasn’t been in there with someone like me. I’m focused on my work, taking it day by day, and I’ll be ready on fight night. The fans are going to get a real fight.”
Fans are encouraged to register their interest early for the best chance to secure tickets via ZuffaBoxing.com. Tickets will go on sale at 10am BST on Friday, May 8 via BIC.co.uk while those who registered their interest early, will get access at 10am BST on Thursday, May 7.
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Andy Scott explains everything you need to know about Zuffa’s first UK main event between Chris Billam-Smith and Ryan Rozicki
‘We are back!’
Chris Billam-Smith told Sky Sports: “We are back in Bournemouth at the BIC and I’m so happy to be going back home.
“A super-tough test but one I’m actually relishing,” he said of Rozicki. “Look at his record – 21 wins, one draw, one defeat and the defeat was against Oscar Rivas at bridgerweight. Brings power, 20 knockouts in those 21 wins so you know what he comes to do, you know how he fights. He’s a big puncher, long arms, powerful and super-tough. I don’t believe he’s ever been dropped or anything like that.
“I think it’s a great fight to really get my teeth stuck into. You can’t have a bad night against him because of the power he carries. So I need to be on it.
“But I feel really revitalised especially going back home with the new deal as well, it’s really put a spring in my step. Then obviously there’s some huge fights down the line with Zuffa for me so I’m really excited.”
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Chris Billam-Smith won a tough points decision over Brandon Glanton following a fight week filled with bad blood
Ryan Rozicki told Sky Sports: “June 6 I’ll be coming to the UK to take on former world champion Chris Billam-Smith in his hometown. I’m very excited for this fight. I’m very excited to fight in front of the UK fans. The UK has some of the most passionate boxing fans in the world, a long, long line of boxing history in the UK so I’m really excited to fight there.
“Very excited to take on a great champion like Billam-Smith. I think stylistically we match up really well. I think it could be fight of the year. Tune in June 6.
“Chris will be in the roughest fight of his life. A lot of respect for Chris, I’m giving 110 per cent and that’s it.”
Watch Billam-Smith vs Rozicki live on Sky Sports on Saturday June 6
