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Billam-Smith ends Rozicki
Chris Billam-Smith stopped Ryan Rozicki after seven rounds in Bournemouth International Centre as Zuffa Boxing marked its first UK event outside America on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
“Britain's Chris Billam-Smith marked Zuffa Boxing's UK debut show with a gritty performance to beat Ryan Rozicki by technical knockout after seven gruelling rounds in Bournemouth”
The BBC said the British former WBO cruiserweight champion beat Rozicki by technical knockout after seven gruelling rounds, with Rozicki’s team throwing in the towel after he stumbled back to the corner.
Reuters-style fight coverage in the Zuffa Boxing results recap credited Billam-Smith with a TKO (retirement) via a Round 7 stoppage at 3:00, after an instant classic that ended before Round 8.
The Ring described Rozicki being pulled out by his corner before the eighth could start, with blood pouring into both his eyes after the seven-round firefight in Bournemouth.
Corners, cuts, and quotes
Rozicki entered the fight with a reputation for power, and The Ring said he was pulled out after seven rounds despite refusing to take a backward step.
The BBC reported that Rozicki was warned in the opening round for using his head and deducted a point in the second round for continued use, while the fight continued with both fighters taking treatment in the ring.
Shane McGuigan told Sky Sports, as quoted by the BBC, "I've never seen a puncher like that. The power that guy [Rozicki] possesses is something else," after Billam-Smith’s win.
Dana White later confirmed to the BBC that both fighters went straight to hospital, and the same BBC piece said Billam-Smith did not take part in any post-fight media activities.
What comes next
With the win, Billam-Smith moved toward a potential fight with Jai Opetaia, and The Ring said the result gave him "a crack at Ring Magazine champion Jai Opetaia."
“Former WBO champion and WBC No”
The BBC added that as soon as Billam-Smith signed with Zuffa Boxing, he outlined plans for a fight with Australian cruiserweight Jai Opetaia, after a war of words via the media when Opetaia held the IBF title and Billam-Smith the WBO belt.
The Ring also noted that 35-year-old Billam-Smith can look forward to a potential fight with Opetaia, describing Opetaia as the other big-name cruiserweight currently signed with Zuffa.
Beyond the main event, the BBC said Zuffa Boxing’s UK debut took place amid threats of legal action from British promoter Boxxer, with claims that Billam-Smith, Jack Massey and Sam Hickey were competing without "consent or authorisation."
