HAMILTON, Ontario, Canada – Power-punching Canadian cruiserweight Ryan Rozicki (20-1-1, 19 KOs), currently ranked No. 1 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and No. 5 by Ring Magazine, is challenging reigning IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Champion Jai Opetaia (29-0, 23 KOs).
As Ryan pursues his goal of becoming the first Canadian-born Cruiserweight Champion of the World, he must fight for the first time since December 7, 2024, having been sidelined largely due to a torn right bicep that he reinjured, along with several world title fights falling through.
Rozicki’s long-awaited ring return will headline the March 7 show against Gerardo Mellado (12-4, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event on a card presented by Three Lions Promotions at Centre 200.
“I’m Going to Be the Cruiserweight Champion of the World”
Rozicki made his intentions clear regarding a future clash with Opetaia.
“Jai and his team know who I am,” Rozicki reported. “I have been knocking on that door for years. They obviously don’t want the fight; it is what it is. Right now, I’m focused on my March 7th bout. Then, I’m coming to take what’s mine! I’m going to be the cruiserweight champion of the world.”
Three Lions Promotions Managing Director Daniel Otter detailed prior efforts to secure the fight.
“We tried numerous times to get that fight with Jai,” Otter explained. “I’m sure Dana White (Zuffa Boxing) will like that fight (Opetaia vs. Rozicki). He makes his guys take on the best. Ryan has a fight next month, the day before Jai. Let’s see what happens after those fights. I am confident that Ryan has what it takes to stop Jai. To be frank, I think that because of the styles of both fighters, Ryan gets him out of there early. No disrespect to Jai and his team, but Ryan is cut from a different cloth. Everyone will find out soon enough.”
Opetaia Scheduled for March 8 in Las Vegas
Fighting out of Australia, Opetaia recently signed a promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing and faces Brandon Glanton (21-3, 18 KOs) on March 8 at Metro Apex in Las Vegas.
With Rozicki fighting one night earlier in Nova Scotia, a pair of victories could intensify discussions for a major cruiserweight showdown later this year.
Unbeaten at Home, Built on Knockouts
The 30-year-old Sydney native is unbeaten in seven fights in Sydney, Nova Scotia, with one draw and six knockouts. Sporting a sensational 95% knockout ratio, Rozicki was previously scheduled to fight Akani “Prime” Phuzi for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Cruiserweight title on October 25 in Sydney. However, the bout was cancelled after he reinjured his right bicep.
Now fully recovered, Rozicki looks to reestablish momentum and move one step closer to a world title opportunity.
March 7 Undercard Highlights
The March 7 event also features:
- 8-Round Co-Feature: Brandon Brewer (28-4-3, 12 KOs), former NABA Canadian Super Middleweight Champion, vs. Daniel Beaupre (6-2, 3 KOs)
- All-Nova Scotia Showdown (10 Rounds): Brett Beaton (6-4, 4 KOs) vs. David Logue (4-1, 4 KOs) for the vacant National Championships of Canada (NCC) Super Middleweight Championship
- Super Welterweight (6 Rounds): Undefeated Dylan Taylor (4-0, 3 KOs), of Sarnia, Canada, vs. Alex Nemeth (1-1-0), of Hungary
Card subject to change.
With championship ambitions, elite rankings, and knockout power, March 7 could mark the beginning of a defining stretch in Rozicki’s quest for cruiserweight supremacy.
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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