Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing will make its UK debut in June with Chris Billam-Smith headlining their inaugural card against Ryan Rozicki
White’s Zuffa will begin their venture in Bournemouth on June 6 with a cruiserweight clash between Billam-Smith and Ryan Rozicki, live on Sky Sports.
It will be Zuffa’s seventh show overall and their first outside of the Meta Apex in Las Vegas.
Billam-Smith returns to his hometown for the first time since beating Mateusz Masternak in 2023.
‘The Gentleman’ lost his WBO cruiserweight world title in 2024, defeated by Zurdo Ramirez on points in a unification battle.
The Bournemouth man will end an over one-year absence against the Canadian, since a unanimous decision win over Brandon Glanton last April.
“I’m coming home,” the 35-year-old told Sky Sports.
“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.”
Rozicki fell short in his bid to become WBC interim cruiserweight champion, held to a majority draw by Yamil Peralta in 2024 and has previously challenged for the WBC bridgerweight title.
Billam-Smith is ranked at three by the currently vacant IBF title, while his rival is the 11th rated contender.
Viddal Riley is ranked just above Billam-Smith at two, with the number one spot also vacant.
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“It’s a tough fight, and that’s exactly what I wanted when I signed with Zuffa Boxing,” the 31-year-old told Sky Sports.
Rozicki, who like Billam-Smith signed with Zuffa, insists the home favourite hasn’t faced anyone like him.
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“I know what he brings, and I respect that,” the 31-year-old said to Sky Sports.
“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.”
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