Former WBO cruiserweight champ Chris Billam-Smith will fight the debut main event for Zuffa Boxing's new U.K. initiative coming on June 6th in Bournemouth, England against veteran Ryan Rozicki.
Wednesday afternoon Zuffa Boxing confirmed that their first foray into British Boxing will feature former WBO cruiserweight world champ Chris Billam-Smith in the main event on Saturday June 6th in Bournemouth, England.
Zuffa had touted Billam-Smith's signing earlier in the month along with agreeing to terms with now, former IBF 140 lb. champ Richardson Hitchins.
Billam-Smith will take on veteran Ryan Rozicki at the Bournemouth Events Centre on the Southern English coast, which can hold up to 4,000 people for boxing in the main arena.
“I’m coming home,” said Billam-Smith in the release. “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. Zuffa Boxing is all about proper fights under the lights and that’s exactly what Rozicki brings to the table.”
The 35 year old Billam-Smith is 21-2, 13 KOs, having beaten Lawrence Okolie by decision in an upset to win the WBO belt in May of 2023. He defended the title twice before being beaten in unification battle with Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez in November 2024. His last fight was a 12 round decision over Brandon Glanton on the undercard of the Chris Eubank Jr.-Conor Benn first fight back in April 2025.
The 31-year-old Rozicki, 21-1-1, 20 KOs, is eager to take on Billam-Smith and he said Wednesday,
“It’s a tough fight, and that’s exactly what I wanted when I signed with Zuffa Boxing. 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.”
The Canadian Rozicki has a 10 fight unbeaten streak after suffering a loss to Oscar Rivas in a heavyweight fight in December of 2021.
He has mainly fought in Canada throughout his career and his last three fights have benn back down at cruiserweight, including a second round KO of Gerardo Mellado in March of this year.
There is a strong likelihood that the winner of this June main event could get a fight with Zuffa top signee and former IBF cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia. The Australian debuted with Zuffa in March scoring a rugged 12 round decision over Glanton, himself, in Las Vegas. And, certainly if Billiam Smith wins there would be intrigue of a former champ to meet Opetaia, who's the new "Zuffa" cruiserweight titleholder.