(pictures courtesy of Max Kearns)
SYDNEY, Nova Scotia, Canada — Canadian cruiserweight contender Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (21-1-1, 20 KOs) made a thunderous return to the ring after a lengthy layoff, stopping Gerardo Mellado (12-5, 7 KOs) via second-round technical knockout in the main event at Centre 200.
Fighting in front of approximately 1,200 fans in his hometown of Sydney, Nova Scotia, Rozicki showed why he remains one of the most dangerous punchers in the cruiserweight division. The 31-year-old Canadian, currently ranked No. 1 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and No. 5 by Ring Magazine, shook off early ring rust before overwhelming Mellado with his trademark power.
The bout marked Rozicki’s first fight in 15 months, as injuries and postponed title opportunities kept the WBC mandatory challenger on the sidelines. He last fought on December 7, 2024, and had been recovering from a torn right bicep that was reinjured during training.
Once the action got underway, Rozicki quickly reminded fans why his knockout ratio is among the highest in the sport.
In the second round, he dropped Mellado before trapping the Chilean fighter against the ropes and unleashing a barrage of heavy combinations. Several punishing body shots forced Mellado back to the canvas, prompting the referee to wave off the contest.
Rozicki Eyes World Title Shot
Following the emphatic victory, Rozicki made it clear he’s eager to return to the ring — and wants a shot at the cruiserweight crown.
“I felt good in there,” Rozicki said after his fight. “Took me a round to adjust but I am ready for the world title fights. If I could, I would fight again tomorrow. He (Mellado) was a lot tougher than I expected. He hit very hard. We had a great fight. I didn’t feel anything until he actually hit me, when I realized I was back in a fight again. It was 15 months since I’d been hit with a solid punch with a really fight glove on and without wearing headgear.
“I want to get right back in the ring. My target, right now, is (WBC Cruiserweight World Champion) Noel Mikaelian (28-3, 12 KOs) for the WBC world title. He dodged fighting me five times. I’ve earned that shot and I would like to make it as soon as possible.”
The Sydney native now boasts an incredible 95.25 percent knockout rate and remains unbeaten in eight fights in Sydney, including six knockouts and one draw.
Promoter Daniel Otter of Three Lions Promotions praised his fighter’s comeback performance.
“Ryan Rozicki reminded the world tonight exactly who he is,” Otter said. “After everything he’s been through with injuries and setbacks, he came back and did what real punchers do; he ended the fight in two rounds. Ryan has made it very clear he wants Noel Mikaelian. That’s the fight we’ve been pushing for and the fight the fans deserve to see. If that opportunity comes, we’re ready.
“If Mikaelian isn’t available, we want the biggest fights in the cruiserweight division, whether that’s Jai Opetaia, Gilberto Ramirez, or anyone else holding a world title. Ryan Rozicki is one of the most dangerous fighters in boxing right now and the cruiserweight division is officially on notice.
“I’m also incredibly proud of the entire event. We lost two fights during fight week, but the fighters stepped up and the fans in Cape Breton showed incredible support. It was a great night for boxing, and Three Lions Promotions will be back in the coming months with our next event in Vancouver.”
Co-Main Event and Undercard Highlights
In the co-feature bout contested at a 182-pound catchweight, former NABA and Canadian Super Middleweight Champion Brandon Brewer (29-4-3, 12 KOs) earned a convincing eight-round unanimous decision victory over Daniel Beaupre (6-3, 3 KOs).
Rising welterweight prospect Dylan Taylor (5-0, 4 KOs) also remained undefeated when Alex Nemeth (1-2, 1 KO) failed to answer the bell for the fourth round after absorbing heavy punishment in the opening rounds.
Earlier in the night, hometown favorite Thomas MacAuley (1-0, 1 KO) thrilled the Sydney crowd with a spectacular first-round knockout victory over Devin Turner (0-1) in a clash of professional debuting super welterweights.
Main Event – Cruiserweights
- Ryan Rozicki (21-1-1, 20 KOs) def. Gerardo Mellado (12-5, 7 KOs) – TKO, Round 2 (1:01)
Co-Feature – 182-Pound Catchweight
- Brandon Brewer (29-4-3, 12 KOs) def. Daniel Beaupre (6-3, 3 KOs) – Unanimous Decision (79-73, 79-73, 78-74)
Super Welterweights
- Thomas MacAuley (1-0, 1 KO) def. Devin Turner (0-1) – KO, Round 1 (2:45)
Welterweights
- Dylan Taylor (5-0, 4 KOs) def. Alex Nemeth (1-2, 1 KO) – TKO, Round 3 (3:00)
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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