Chris Billam-Smith returns to Bournemouth on June 6 to struggle Ryan Rozicki, stay on Sky Sports activities.
It is going to be the primary British occasion for brand spanking new promotional powerhouse Zuffa Boxing and their first on UK soil stay on Sky Sports activities.
The high-octane cruiserweight conflict between hometown hero Billam-Smith and Canadian knockout artist Rozicki headlines the ZUFFA BOXING 07 occasion.
They are going to struggle on the Bournemouth Worldwide Centre the place Billam-Smith has beforehand starred in spectacular fights in entrance of his vociferous supporters.
Billam-Smith, 21-2 (13), is without doubt one of the most adorned British fighters in latest reminiscence, having captured British, Commonwealth and European honours earlier than profitable a world title in 2023.
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Watch Ryan Rozicki’s most explosive knockouts forward of his Bournemouth showdown with Chris Billam-Smith on Saturday June 6
He has fought in Bournemouth eight occasions, together with three sold-out occasions on the Bournemouth Worldwide Centre the place he beat Isaac Chamberlain in a 12-round thriller and dispatched Armend Xhoxhaj with a surprising end.
Billam-Smith has acquired a repute for being one of the thrilling boxers within the UK and has usually featured in stadium fights. He beat Lawrence Okolie on the Vitality Stadium to turn into a world champion for the primary time earlier than efficiently defending his WBO title in opposition to Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park.
After dropping to Gilberto Ramirez in Saudi Arabia he got here again to beat Brandon Glanton on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium final 12 months.
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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 stated.
“Zuffa Boxing is all about proper fights under the lights and that’s exactly what Rozicki brings to the table.”
Rozicki is a harmful puncher himself, as his 21-1-1 (20) file would counsel. The fighter from Sydney Forks, Canada has truly by no means misplaced at cruiserweight. His lone defeat got here in opposition to Oscar Rivas in a bout that was revamped the cruiserweight restrict. Since that bout in 2021 he’s unbeaten in 9 fights with seven stoppage wins.
A professional since 2016, 19 of Rozicki’s knockouts have are available three rounds or much less.
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Former boxing World Champion Chris Billam-Smith remembers Golden Aim heartbreak at Wembley, dressing up as Tweety Pie when Bournemouth have been promoted to the Premier League, and makes a promise to do it once more in the event that they qualify for Europe
“It’s a tough fight, and that’s exactly what I wanted when I signed with Zuffa Boxing,” Rozicki stated 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.”
Followers are inspired to register their curiosity early for the perfect probability to safe tickets by way of ZuffaBoxing.com. Tickets will go on sale at 10am BST on Friday, Could 8 by way of BIC.co.uk whereas those that registered their curiosity early, will get entry at 10am BST on Thursday, Could 7.
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Andy Scott explains every thing you might want to find out about Zuffa’s first UK major occasion between Chris Billam-Smith and Ryan Rozicki
‘We’re again!’
Chris Billam-Smith instructed Sky Sports activities: “We are back in Bournemouth at the BIC and I’m so happy to be going back home.
“An excellent-tough check however one I am truly relishing,” he said of Rozicki. “Take a look at his file – 21 wins, one draw, one defeat and the defeat was in opposition to Oscar Rivas at bridgerweight. Brings energy, 20 knockouts in these 21 wins so you realize what he involves do, you know the way he fights. He is a giant puncher, lengthy arms, highly effective and super-tough. I do not consider he is ever been dropped or something 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.
“However I really feel actually revitalised particularly going again house with the brand new deal as properly, it is actually put a spring in my step. Then clearly there’s some large fights down the road with Zuffa for me so I am actually excited.”
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Chris Billam-Smith received a troublesome factors choice over Brandon Glanton following a struggle week crammed with unhealthy blood
Ryan Rozicki instructed Sky Sports activities: “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 tackle an amazing champion like Billam-Smith. I feel stylistically we match up rather well. I feel it may very well be struggle of the 12 months. 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 stay on Sky Sports activities on Saturday June 6
