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Chris Billum-Smith returns to Bournemouth on June 6 to take on Ryan Rosicky, live on Sky Sports.
This will be the first British event for new promotional powerhouse Zuffa Boxing and their first live on UK soil Sky Sports.
A high-octane cruiserweight clash between hometown hero Billam-Smith and Canadian knockout artist Rosicky headlines the ZUFFA Boxing 07 event.
They will battle it out at the Bournemouth International Center where Billam-Smith has previously put in great fights in front of his vociferous supporters.
Billam-Smith, 21-2 (13), is one of the most decorated British fighters in recent memory, winning British, Commonwealth and European honors before winning the world title in 2023.
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Watch Ryan Rosicky’s most explosive knockouts ahead of Bournemouth showdown with Chris Billam-Smith on Saturday 6 June
He has fought eight times in Bournemouth, including three sold-out events at the Bournemouth International Center where he defeated Isaac Chamberlain in a 12-round thriller and dispatched Armand Juxhaj with a stunning finish.
Billam-Smith earned a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting boxers and regularly took part in stadium fights. He defeated Lawrence Okolie at the Vitality Stadium to become world champion for the first time before successfully defending his WBO title against Richard Riakpor at Selhurst Park.
After losing to Gilberto Ramirez in Saudi Arabia, he bounced back to defeat Brandon Glanton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year.
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Former cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith has signed with Zuffa Boxing and already has Joy Opetaya in his sights.
“I’m coming home. It’s a huge opportunity for me in front of my amazing supporters. Sky Sports Know how incredible these fight nights are in Bournemouth and this one will be no different,” said Billam-Smith.
“Jufa boxing is all about the right fight under the lights and that’s exactly what Rosicky brings to the table.”
Rosicky is a dangerous puncher himself, as his 21-1-1 (20) record indicates. The fighter from Sydney Forks, Canada has never actually lost at cruiserweight. His only loss came in a bout over the cruiserweight division against Oscar Rivas. Since that fight in 2021 he is undefeated in nine fights with seven stoppage wins.
A pro since 2016, 19 of Rozicki’s knockouts have come in three rounds or less.
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Former boxing world champion Chris Billam-Smith recalled the heartbreak of scoring the golden goal at Wembley, dressed as Tweety Pie when Bournemouth were promoted to the Premier League, and vowed to do it again if they qualified for Europe.
“It’s a tough fight, and that’s exactly what I wanted when I signed with Zuffa Boxing,” Rosicky said of Billam-Smith..
“I know what he brings, and I respect that. But he hasn’t been out there with somebody like me. I’m focusing 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 of securing tickets ZuffaBoxing.com. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, May 8 at 10am BIC.co.uk Those who register their interest early will gain entry at 10am BST on Thursday 7 May.
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Andy Scott explains everything you need to know about Zuffa’s first UK main event between Chris Billam-Smith and Ryan Rosicky
‘We’re back!’
Chris Billam-Smith reports Sky Sports: “We’re back in Bournemouth at BIC and I’m very happy to be back home.
“A super-tough test but I’m really enjoying it,” he said of Rosicky. “Look at his record – 21 wins, one draw, one loss and the loss was against Oscar Rivas at bridgeweight. Power brought, 20 knockouts out of those 21 wins so you know what he comes to do, you know how he fights. He’s a big puncher, long arms, strong and super-tough. I’ve never trusted or dropped.
“I think it’s a really great fight to get my teeth into. You can’t have a bad night against him because of the energy he carries. So I’ve got to be in it.
“But I feel really rejuvenated especially going back home with the new contract, it’s really put a spring in my step. Then obviously I have some big fights down the line with Zuffa so I’m really excited.”
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Chris Billum-Smith won a tough points decision over Brandon Glanton after a fight week full of bad blood
Ryan Rozicki said Sky Sports: “On June 6 I will be coming to the UK to fight former world champion Chris Billam-Smith in his hometown. I am very excited for this fight. I am very excited to fight in front of the UK fans. The UK has some of the most passionate boxing fans in the world, a long, long line in the history of boxing in the UK.
“So excited to fight a great champion like Billam-Smith. I think stylistically we’re really well matched. I think this could be the fight of the year. Tune in June 6.
“Chris will be going into the toughest fight of his life. A lot of respect for Chris, I’m giving 110 percent and that’s it.”
Watch Billam-Smith vs Rozicki live Sky Sports Saturday 6th June
