Chris Billam‑Smith will be back on his home turf in Bournemouth on June 6 for a high‑profile showdown with Canadian cruiserweight Ryan Rozicki, a bout that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. This event marks a milestone for the newly formed promotional outfit Zuffa Boxing, as it will be the company’s inaugural British showcase and its first live telecast from the United Kingdom on Sky Sports. The headline attraction of the ZUFFA BOXING 07 card is a fast‑paced cruiserweight contest pitting the hometown favourite Billam‑Smith against the hard‑hitting Canadian, Rozicki. The fight will take place at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), a venue where Billam‑Smith has already delivered several memorable performances in front of an enthusiastic local crowd.
Billam‑Smith enters the ring with a record of 21 wins and 2 losses, 13 of those victories coming by way of knockout. In recent years he has become one of the most decorated British fighters of his generation, having claimed the British, Commonwealth and European cruiserweight titles before seizing a world championship in 2023.
His résumé also includes a series of sell‑out appearances at the BIC, where he has previously bested Isaac Chamberlain in a grueling twelve‑round battle and finished Armend Xhoxhaj with a spectacular stoppage. Renowned for his exciting fighting style, Billam‑Smith has regularly been featured on major stadium cards. He dethroned Lawrence Okolie at the Vitality Stadium to capture his first world title and later defended his WBO belt against Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park.
After a setback against Gilberto Ramirez in Saudi Arabia, he bounced back with a convincing win over Brandon Glanton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year. Speaking ahead of the bout, Billam‑Smith said, “I’m coming home. This is a huge opportunity for me in front of my amazing supporters. Sky Sports knows how electric these nights can be 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.” Rozicki, a 21‑1‑1 cruiserweight from Sydney Forks, Canada, is no stranger to knockout power. He has never been defeated inside the cruiserweight division; his sole loss came at bridgerweight against Oscar Rivas in 2021.
Since that fight, Rozicki has gone unbeaten in nine outings, securing seven stoppages. Turning professional in 2016, he has amassed 20 knockouts in his 21 victories, with the majority coming within the first three rounds, underscoring his reputation as a ferocious puncher. The Canadian champion added, “It’s a tough fight and that’s exactly why I signed with Zuffa Boxing.
I respect what Billam‑Smith brings, but he hasn’t faced someone with my power. 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.” Tickets for the event will be sold through BIC.co.uk. Early registrants on ZuffaBoxing.com will enjoy priority access, with sales opening at 10 a.m.
BST on Thursday, May 7 for those who pre‑registered, and at 10 a.m. BST on Friday, May 8 for the general public. In a pre‑fight interview with Sky Sports, Billam‑Smith expressed his excitement about returning to Bournemouth: “We’re back at the BIC and I’m thrilled to be home.
Rozicki is a super‑tough test and I’m actually 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 a lot of power. I don’t think he’s ever been dropped. This is a great fight to really sink my teeth into. You can’t afford a bad night against him because of the power he carries, so I have to be on my game.” Rozicki echoed the sentiment, noting the significance of the venue: “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 perform in front of the passionate UK fans. The UK has a long boxing history, and I think our styles match up well. It could be the fight of the year—tune in on June 6.
Chris will face the toughest test of his career. I have a lot of respect for him, I’ll give 110 percent and that’s it.” The matchup promises a clash of styles: Billam‑Smith’s technical proficiency and crowd‑pleasing aggression versus Rozicki’s raw knockout ability and relentless pressure. Both fighters have expressed confidence and respect, setting the stage for a compelling narrative that should captivate boxing enthusiasts worldwide.
Fans eager to watch the action can tune in to Sky Sports on Saturday, June 6, when the two cruiserweights meet under the bright lights of the Bournemouth International Centre. The bout not only represents a pivotal moment for Zuffa Boxing’s expansion into the UK market but also offers a chance for Billam‑Smith to defend his standing at home and for Rozicki to prove his power on a major televised stage.