Chris Billam‑Smith is set to make his return to his hometown of Bournemouth on June 6, where he will face Canadian cruiserweight Ryan Rozicki in a bout that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. This contest marks a milestone for the fledgling promotion Zuffa Boxing, as it is the company’s inaugural British event and its first fight to be shown on Sky Sports from the United Kingdom. The high‑energy clash between the local favourite Billam‑Smith and the hard‑hitting Canadian will headline the ZUFFA BOXING 07 card, which will be staged at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC). The venue is familiar territory for Billam‑Smith, who has previously headlined three sold‑out shows there, delivering memorable performances for a vocal crowd.
Among those past highlights were a gritty 12‑round victory over Isaac Chamberlain and a spectacular knockout of Armend Xhoxhaj. At 21‑2 with 13 knockouts, Billam‑Smith has built a reputation as one of Britain’s most accomplished fighters of the modern era.
He has held the British, Commonwealth and European cruiserweight titles and captured a world championship in 2023, adding a WBO belt to his résumé. His résumé also includes a win 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 Ramirez in Saudi Arabia, he bounced back with a victory over Brandon Glanton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. "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. He added that Zuffa Boxing’s focus on “proper fights under the lights” aligns perfectly with Rozicki’s aggressive style.
Rozicki, a 21‑1‑1 cruiserweight from Sydney Forks, Canada, is known for his punching 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 he has remained unbeaten in nine outings, recording seven stoppages. Turning professional in 2016, Rozicki has amassed 19 knockouts, most of which have come within the first three rounds, underscoring his reputation as a dangerous early‑round finisher.
"It’s a tough fight, and that’s exactly what I wanted when I signed with Zuffa Boxing," Rozicki told Sky Sports about Billam‑Smith. "I respect what he brings, but he hasn’t faced someone like me. 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 go on sale at 10 a.m. BST on Friday, May 8 via BIC.co.uk, with an early‑access window for fans who registered interest on ZuffaBoxing.com starting at 10 a.m. BST on Thursday, May 7.
Organisers encourage supporters to secure their seats early, as demand is expected to be high. In a pre‑fight interview with Sky Sports, Billam‑Smith expressed enthusiasm about returning to the BIC. "A super‑tough test but one I’m actually relishing," he said. He highlighted Rozicki’s record, noting the Canadian’s 20 knockouts in 21 wins and emphasizing his own confidence in handling such power.
"He’s a big puncher, long‑armed, powerful and super‑tough. I don’t believe he’s ever been dropped. 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," Billam‑Smith added. Rozicki echoed the excitement, stating, "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 the UK fans, who are some of the most passionate in the world.
Stylistically we match up well and it could be fight of the year. Tune in June 6." Both fighters recognize the stakes.
Billam‑Smith sees the bout as a chance to solidify his status at home and to build momentum for future high‑profile matches under the Zuffa banner. Rozicki views the contest as an opportunity to showcase his power on a major UK stage and to add a marquee victory to his record.
The event promises a night of intense action, with the Bournemouth International Centre set to glow under the lights as two of the cruiserweight division’s most exciting talents collide. Viewers across the UK and beyond can tune in to Sky Sports on Saturday, June 6, to witness what promoters hope will be a classic showdown and a potential contender for fight‑of‑the‑year honors.