Chris Billam-Smith is set to headline a Sky Sports event in his hometown of Bournemouth on June 6, facing off against the formidable Ryan Rozicki. Known for his aggressive fighting style, Rozicki promises to push Billam-Smith to his limits.
According to trainer Shane McGuigan, Billam-Smith's propensity for being in intense, action-packed fights is a concern. 'The problem with Chris is that he often finds himself in grueling battles,' McGuigan noted.
Despite having the option to choose an easier opponent for his homecoming fight, Billam-Smith has opted to face the highly-rated Rozicki instead. McGuigan stated, 'That's what Chris Billam-Smith is all about.
Rozicki is a powerful puncher with a proven track record of 20 knockouts in 21 wins.' To counter this, McGuigan plans to devise a strategy that plays to Billam-Smith's strengths. He added, 'We won't be chasing him around the ring; it's going to be an exciting fight and a great showcase for Zuffa Boxing's UK debut.' A potential future opponent for Billam-Smith is Jai Opetaia, the world's top-ranked cruiserweight, also promoted by Zuffa Boxing.
McGuigan expressed his eagerness for the fight, saying, 'Both Opetaia and we want the fight; it's the most attractive matchup that can be made.' He emphasized that at this stage in Billam-Smith's career, securing high-profile bouts with adequate compensation and exposure is crucial, and he believes Billam-Smith will emerge victorious.