Chris Billam‑Smith is set to make his return to his hometown of Bournemouth on June 6, where he will headline a live Sky Sports broadcast against Canadian cruiserweight contender Ryan Rozicki. This bout marks a milestone for the newly formed promotional outfit Zuffa Boxing, as it will be the company’s inaugural event on UK soil and its first partnership with Sky Sports for a live telecast. The high‑energy clash between the local favorite Billam‑Smith and the hard‑hitting Rozicki will serve as the main attraction for the ZUFFA BOXING 07 card, which will be staged at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC).
The venue is no stranger to Billam‑Smith, who has previously delivered several memorable performances there, drawing fervent crowds and selling out the arena on multiple occasions. At 21‑2 with 13 knockouts, Billam‑Smith has quickly become one of the most accomplished British pugilists of his generation. He has amassed the British, Commonwealth and European cruiserweight titles, and in 2023 he captured a world championship, adding a WBO belt to his résumé. His résumé also includes a series of high‑profile fights in stadium settings, such as his victory over Lawrence Okolie at the Vitality Stadium, which secured his first world title, and a successful defense of that belt against Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park.
After a setback against Gilberto Ramírez in Saudi Arabia, Billam‑Smith rebounded with a convincing win over Brandon Glanton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, reaffirming his status as a top‑tier contender. Billam‑Smith has fought in Bournemouth eight times, three of those events being sold‑out nights at the BIC.
Notable moments include a 12‑round war with Isaac Chamberlain and a spectacular stoppage of Armend Xhoxhaj, both of which further cemented his reputation as an exciting, crowd‑pleasing fighter. "I'm coming home. This is a huge opportunity for me back in front of my amazing supporters," he told Sky Sports. "Sky Sports knows how electric these nights are in Bournemouth, and this one will be no different.
Zuffa Boxing is all about proper fights under the lights, and that's exactly what Rozicki brings to the table." Ryan Rozicki, hailing from Sydney Forks, Canada, arrives in Bournemouth with an impressive 21‑1‑1 record, 20 of those victories coming by way of knockout. Although his sole loss was recorded at bridgerweight against Oscar Rivas in 2021, he has remained unbeaten at cruiserweight since, compiling a nine‑fight winning streak that includes seven stoppages. Since turning professional in 2016, Rozicki has become known for his explosive power, with 19 of his knockouts occurring within the first three rounds of a bout. "It's a tough fight, and that's exactly what I wanted when I signed with Zuffa Boxing," Rozicki said of Billam‑Smith.
"I respect what he brings, but I've never faced someone of his caliber. I'm focused, taking it day by day, and I’ll be ready on fight night.
The fans are going to get a real fight." Ticket sales for the event will open at 10 a.m. BST on Friday, May 8, via the official BIC ticketing partner BIC.co.uk. Fans who previously registered interest on ZuffaBoxing.com will receive early access to purchase tickets starting at 10 a.m. BST on Thursday, May 7, giving them the best chance to secure seats for what promises to be a packed house.
In a pre‑fight interview with Sky Sports, Billam‑Smith expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge: "We are back at the BIC and I’m thrilled to be home. It’s a super‑tough test, but I’m relishing it. Look at his record—21 wins, one draw, one loss at bridgerweight, and 20 knockouts. He’s a big puncher with long arms and serious power.
I don’t think he’s ever been dropped. This is a great fight to really get my teeth stuck into. You can’t afford a bad night against him because of the power he carries, so I need to be on point.
I feel revitalised, especially with the new deal, and there are big fights ahead with Zuffa, so I’m excited." Rozicki echoed the sentiment, noting his respect for the British champion and his excitement about fighting in front of the UK’s passionate boxing audience: "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 and to fight in front of UK fans. The UK has a long, storied boxing history and some of the most enthusiastic supporters in the world.
Stylistically we match up well, and I think this could be fight of the year. Tune in June 6. Chris will be in the roughest fight of his life.
I have a lot of respect for him, I’ll give 110 percent and that’s it." The Billam‑Smith versus Rozicki showdown is being billed as a potential "fight of the year" for the cruiserweight division, featuring two power‑punchers with contrasting styles—Billam‑Smith’s relentless pressure and technical skill against Rozicki’s explosive knockout ability. With both fighters eager to prove themselves on a major Sky Sports platform, the bout promises high stakes, intense action, and a night of unforgettable boxing for fans in Bournemouth and viewers worldwide.