Fight of the year?! Billam-Smith claims epic hometown win over Rozicki

Chris Billam-Smith moved himself back into world title contention after a dramatic stoppage victory over Ryan Rozicki in a bruising cruiserweight clash in Bournemouth.

The hometown hero delivered an impressive display in front of a packed Bournemouth International Centre, although was made to battle hard against an opponent who had seen 20 of his previous 21 victories come via knockout.

Rozicki suffered a cut to his left eye during a gruelling opening round before being deducted a point in the second for throwing his head at his opponent, with Billam-Smith landing a huge right to wobble the Canadian during the third round.

• Zuffa Boxing 07: Chris Billam-Smith vs Ryan Rozicki recap
• Stephen McKenna wants 'bigger' than 'boring' Lee Cutler
• Boxing in 2026: Key dates, results and upcoming schedule
• Get Sky Sports or stream boxing and more with no contract

Momentum switched between both men during a fight-of-the-year contender, with Billam-Smith securing victory when Rozicki was pulled out of the contest by his corner - due to his injuries - ahead of the eighth round.

More to follow...

What's next?

Further Zuffa Boxing shows are scheduled in Las Vegas on June 28 and New York on July 26 ahead of their first Irish show in Dublin on August 8, with all three live and exclusive in the UK and Ireland on Sky Sports.

Zuffa Boxing 08 in Las Vegas includes Edwin De Los Santos facing Jose 'Rayo' Valenzuela in a 10-round rematch of their memorable 2022 fight-of-the-year contender, while the line-up for the New York show has yet to be announced. Get Sky Sports or stream boxing with no contract.