Zuffa Boxing will stage its first event in the UK on Saturday June 6th when ex-champ Chris Billam-Smith (pictured) returns to his hometown to take on dangerous Canadian Ryan Rozicki in a cruiserweight clash at the Bournemouth International Centre, live on Sky Sports. Billam-Smith, 21-2 (13), is one of the most decorated British fighters in recent memory, having captured British, Commonwealth and European honours before winning a WBO world title in 2023. He has fought in Bournemouth eight times, including three sold-out events at the Bournemouth International Centre where he beat Isaac Chamberlain in a 12-round thriller and dispatched Armend Xhoxhaj with a stunning finish. After losing to Gilberto Ramirez in Saudi Arabia he came back to beat Brandon Glanton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year.

 

"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. "Zuffa Boxing is all about proper fights under the lights and that's exactly what Rozicki brings to the table."

 

Rozicki is a dangerous puncher himself, as his 21-1-1 with 20 KOs record suggests. The fighter from Sydney Forks, Canada has actually never lost at cruiserweight. His lone defeat came against Oscar Rivas in a bridgerweight bout in 2021. Since then, he is unbeaten in nine fights with seven stoppage wins.

 

A pro since 2016, 19 of Rozicki's knockouts have come in three rounds or less.

 

"It's a tough fight, and that's exactly what I wanted when I signed with Zuffa Boxing," Rozicki said of Billam-Smith.

 

"I know what he brings, and I respect that. But he hasn't been in there with someone like me. I'm focused on my work, taking it day by day, and I'll be ready on fight night. The fans are going to get a real fight."

 

Fans are encouraged to register their interest early for the best chance to secure tickets via ZuffaBoxing.com. Tickets will go on sale at 10am BST on Friday, May 8th via BIC.co.uk while those who registered their interest early, will get access at 10am BST on Thursday, May 7th.