Chris Billam-Smith will star on Sky Sports when he boxes in his hometown of Bournemouth on June 6.
But his opponent Ryan Rozicki is a fierce puncher and rugged operator who promises to draw Billam-Smith into a real fight.
That could make it a tense night for his trainer Shane McGuigan. “Our issue with Chris is he’s always in tear-ups,” McGuigan told Sky Sports.
“It’s all about entertainment, exciting fights and we know for a fact Chris Billam-Smith versus Ryan Rozicki is going to be an exciting fight.”
For this homecoming fight Billam-Smith could have been forgiven for taking an easier option. Instead he will fight a tough, highly-rated opponent.
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Watch Ryan Rozicki’s most explosive knockouts ahead of his Bournemouth showdown with Billam-Smith on Saturday June 6
“That’s what Chris Billam-Smith’s all about,” McGuigan said. “[Rozicki] is going to be a big puncher.
“You know what you’re going to get with him but he’s had 20 knockouts out of 21 wins. He’s been beaten the once by [Oscar] Rivas, took some solid shots there. He’s clearly got the minerals. We’re going to have make it a fight that suits Chris Billam-Smith.”
He added: “But you’re not going to go out there running around searching for him. It’s going to be an exciting fight. It’s a great advert for Zuffa Boxing for their first fight launching in the UK.”
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Andy Scott explains everything you need to know about Zuffa’s first UK main event between Billam-Smith and Rozicki
A route to Opetaia?
Jai Opetaia, widely regarded as the world’s leading cruiserweight, is also promoted by Zuffa Boxing. He is a future target for Billam-Smith.
“Opetaia wants the fight, we want the fight. It’s the best fight that can be made,” McGuigan said.
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Billam-Smith says Rozicki brings serious power and he is prepared for a difficult night on June 6
“At Chris’ stage of his career it’s about names. The important thing is he gets well paid for it and it’s on the best platform to get the best exposure.
“Because we believe he’s going to beat him.”
