Chris Billam‑Smith will be back in his hometown of Bournemouth on 6 June to square off against Canadian cruiserweight contender Ryan Rozicki, with the bout being shown live on Sky Sports. This event marks a significant milestone for the newly‑formed promotional company Zuffa Boxing, as it will be their inaugural British showcase and the first time they will broadcast a fight from the United Kingdom on Sky Sports. The high‑energy clash between the local favourite Billam‑Smith and the hard‑hitting Canadian, Rozicki, will headline the Zuffa Boxing 07 card.
The venue is the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), a location where Billam‑Smith has already delivered several memorable performances in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. The English fighter has fought at the BIC eight times, including three sold‑out nights, and has previously secured victories over Isaac Chamberlain in a dramatic 12‑round battle and Armend Xhoxhaj with a spectacular finish.
At 21‑2 with 13 knock‑outs, Billam‑Smith is one of the most accomplished British boxers of his generation. He has held the British, Commonwealth and European cruiserweight titles and captured the WBO world crown in 2023. His résumé also includes a world‑title win against Lawrence Okolie at the Vitality Stadium and a successful defence of his WBO belt against Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park.
After a setback against Gilberto Ramírez in Saudi Arabia, he rebounded with a convincing win over Brandon Glanton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year. Billam‑Smith expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Bournemouth, saying, “I’m coming home.
This is a huge opportunity for me back in front of my amazing supporters. Sky Sports knows how electric these fight nights are in Bournemouth and this one will be no different.” He added that Zuffa Boxing’s focus on “proper fights under the lights” aligns perfectly with what Rozicki brings to the ring. Ryan Rozicki, a 21‑1‑1 cruiserweight from Sydney Forks, Canada, is no stranger to power.
He has never been defeated at cruiserweight; his sole loss came in a bout above the division’s limit against Oscar Rivas in 2021. Since that fight, Rozicki has gone unbeaten in nine outings, racking up seven stoppage victories. Turning professional in 2016, he has amassed 20 knock‑outs in his 21 wins, with the majority of those finishes coming within the first three rounds. The Canadian champion described his upcoming bout as a “tough fight,” exactly what he sought when signing with Zuffa Boxing, and praised Billam‑Smith’s reputation while emphasizing his own preparation and confidence.
Tickets for the event will be released on 10 a.m. BST on Friday, 8 May via BIC.co.uk, but fans who register their interest early at ZuffaBoxing.com will gain access a day ahead, at 10 a.m.
BST on Thursday, 7 May. The promoters are urging supporters to secure their places as soon as possible, given the high demand expected for a hometown hero’s return. In a pre‑fight interview with Sky Sports, Billam‑Smith said, “We’re back at the BIC and I’m thrilled to be home.
Rozicki is a super‑tough test, but I’m relishing it. Look at his record – 21 wins, one draw, one loss (that loss was at bridgerweight). He’s a big puncher with long arms and a lot of power – 20 knock‑outs in those 21 wins.
I’ve never seen him get dropped, and that makes this a perfect fight to sink my teeth into. I feel revitalised coming home with a new deal, and there are big fights ahead with Zuffa, so I’m really excited.” Rozicki echoed the excitement, stating, “On 6 June I’ll be in the UK to take on former world champion Chris Billam‑Smith in his hometown. I’m very excited for this fight and to perform in front of the passionate UK fans.
The UK has a rich boxing history and I can’t wait to be part of it. Stylistically we match up well and this could be fight of the year.
Tune in on 6 June. Chris will be in the roughest fight of his life. I have a lot of respect for him and I’ll give 110 percent.” The bout promises to be a showcase of cruiserweight power, skill, and determination, with both fighters eager to prove themselves on a major broadcast platform. Sky Sports viewers can expect an action‑packed night, as Zuffa Boxing aims to deliver a memorable event that highlights the excitement of British boxing while introducing a new promotional force to the UK market.
Fans can also enjoy additional content such as the weekly Toe2Toe podcast and contract‑free streaming options through NOW, offering more ways to stay connected with the sport. For the best viewing experience, organizers recommend using the Chrome browser to access the video player. Overall, the Billam‑Smith versus Rozicki showdown is set to be a landmark occasion for both athletes and the burgeoning Zuffa Boxing brand, combining hometown pride, international talent, and a platform that reaches millions of boxing enthusiasts across the globe.