Chris Billam-Smith vs. Ryan Rozicki quotes and fight prediction
Chris Billam-Smith (21-2, 13 KOs) and Ryan Rozicki (21-1-1, 20 KOs) will soon face each other in a 10-round cruiserweight clash.
Their bout headlines a Zuffa Boxing card at the Bournemouth International Centre in England. Fight fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland will be able to catch the action live on Sky Sports. Those in the United States and Canada can do so with Paramount+.
Both spoke to Sky Sports ahead of their June 6 contest. Check out what they had to say below.
Chris Billam-Smith vs. Ryan Rozicki quotes
Click here or the play button below to hear what both fighters had to say. Video courtesy of Sky Sports Boxing.
Fight prediction
From Big Fight Weekend’s Ricky Carroll: Billam-Smith lost his WBO cruiserweight title against Gilberto Ramírez, before returning to action the following year, beating a durable Brandon Glanton by unanimous decision, with scorecards of 116-112 (x2), and 116-113. Before the defeat to Ramírez, “The Gentleman” had won 11 fights in a row, including eye-catching wins against Mateusz Masternak and Lawrence Okolie.
Rozicki was last seen earlier this year, stopping Gerardo Mellado in the second round of their clash. Before that, he drew against the tricky Yamil Alberto Peralta. The Canadian has suffered from inactivity in recent years due to injuries and fallen-through fight negotiations.
This is a must-win cruiserweight clash, with Billam-Smith bringing his relentless pressure approach and in-fight toughness. The Bournemouth man is a tough inside fighter, great at suddenly increasing the tempo in his fights, often catching opponents out. He has an exceptional chin, as proven in his loss to Gilberto Ramírez, where he took some big shots.
All but one of Rozicki’s wins have come by stoppage, so it’s difficult not to see this fight catching fire. The Canadian also has a granite chin and is happy to meet his opponent in the middle of the ring and trade bombs. Like Billam-Smith, his never-say-die attitude keeps him in fights.
This fight should provide plenty of entertainment from the first bell. We are backing the Brit to win a unanimous decision against Rozicki, where both will have to come through moments of uncertainty.
Featured Image Credit
Zuffa Boxing X
S Saadeq Ahmed
Currently writing out of Toronto, Canada, Saadeq first became a boxing fan while living in Doha, Qatar. Looking to become more involved in the sport, he began writing about boxing and has had work published in outlets such as Seconds Out and Boxing Social. He looks forward to continue covering boxing on Big Fight Weekend.