Chris Billam‑Smith will make his return to Bournemouth on June 6 to headline a bout against Canadian cruiserweight Ryan Rozicki, with the fight being broadcast live on Sky Sports. This event marks the debut of the new promotional powerhouse Zuffa Boxing on British soil and its first live telecast on the Sky Sports platform. The high‑energy clash between the local favourite Billam‑Smith and the hard‑hitting Canadian will serve as the centerpiece of the Zuffa Boxing 07 card. The action is slated to take place at the Bournemouth International Centre, a venue where Billam‑Smith has already delivered several memorable performances in front of a raucous home crowd.
At 21‑2 with 13 knockouts, Billam‑Smith is one of the most accomplished British pugilists of the modern era. He has held the British, Commonwealth and European cruiserweight titles and captured a world championship in 2023, adding to his growing résumé of accolades. Billam‑Smith’s résumé includes eight fights in Bournemouth, three of which sold out the International Centre. Among those highlights are a twelve‑round war against Isaac Chamberlain and a spectacular stoppage of Armend Xhoxhaj.
His reputation for delivering thrilling, action‑packed fights has seen him appear on major stages, such as the Vitality Stadium where he dethroned Lawrence Okolie to claim his world title, and Selhurst Park where he defended his WBO belt against Richard Riakporhe. 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 massive opportunity to perform in front of my incredible supporters again.
Sky Sports knows how electric these Bournemouth fight nights are, and this one will be no different," Billam‑Smith said. "Zuffa Boxing delivers proper, lights‑out fights, and that’s exactly what Rozicki brings to the table." Ryan Rozicki, a 21‑1‑1 cruiserweight from Sydney Forks, Canada, is no stranger to knockout power. He has never been defeated at cruiserweight; his sole loss came in a bout above the division against Oscar Rivas in 2021. Since that encounter, Rozicki has gone unbeaten in nine fights, securing seven stoppages.
Turning professional in 2016, he has amassed 20 knockouts in his 21 victories, with 19 of those finishes occurring within the first three rounds, underscoring his reputation as a ferocious finisher. "It’s a tough challenge, and that’s exactly why I signed with Zuffa Boxing," Rozicki told Sky Sports about Billam‑Smith. "I respect what he brings, but he hasn’t faced someone with my style.
I’m staying focused, taking it day by day, and I’ll be ready on fight night. The fans are going to witness a real war." Ticket sales are being handled through ZuffaBoxing.com, with early‑interest registrants receiving priority access. General tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m.
BST on Friday, May 8 via BIC.co.uk, while those who registered early will be able to purchase at 10 a.m. BST on Thursday, May 7. Speaking to Sky Sports, Billam‑Smith expressed his enthusiasm about returning to the BIC: "Being back in Bournemouth feels like coming home.
It’s a super‑tough test, but I’m relishing it. Look at Rozicki’s record – 21 wins, one draw, one loss (that loss was at bridgerweight). He’s a massive puncher with 20 knockouts, long reach, and raw power.
He’s never been dropped, and that makes this a perfect fight for me to sink my teeth into. I can’t afford a bad night against a man with that power, so I’ll be on my game." He added, "The new deal with Zuffa has given me a spring in my step. There are huge fights on the horizon, and I’m excited for what’s next." Rozicki echoed the excitement, stating, "On June 6 I’ll be in the UK to face former world champion Chris Billam‑Smith in his hometown.
I’m thrilled to fight in front of the passionate UK fans, who have a rich boxing heritage. Stylistically we match up well, and this could be fight of the year.
Tune in on June 6." He concluded, "Chris will face the toughest fight of his career. I have massive respect for him, and I’ll be giving 110 percent." Fans can watch the showdown live on Sky Sports on Saturday, June 6, and experience what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the cruiserweight division’s most exciting talents. The event not only showcases the growing influence of Zuffa Boxing in the UK but also provides a platform for both fighters to cement their legacies on a global stage.