Ryan Rozicki Admits He Wants To Drag Billam-Smith Into A War

The Canadian knockout puncher says he wants exchanges, not movement, when he faces Billam-Smith in Bournemouth

Ryan Rozicki has no interest in turning his June 6 fight with Chris Billam-Smith into a tactical boxing match. The Canadian cruiserweight contender says he plans to force exchanges and drag the former WBO champion into the type of fight that has produced 20 knockouts in his 21 victories.

“I hate clinching. I hate movers. Like, it is what it is. I’m looking to stand there, drag him into my kind of fight,” said Rozicki to Sports Boxing.

“I know he can box, too. I know he can move a little bit, hold, all that stuff. So, it’s up to him what kind of fight it’s going to be because I know what kind of fight I’m going to fight. I mean, it’s no secret.”

Rozicki repeatedly referenced old-school fighters throughout the interview and said modern boxing needs more fighters willing to stand and trade.

“I’d like to bring a little bit more of that because although I like boxing, I appreciate the boxers, I appreciate the movement and the technique and the jab and angles, all that stuff, but we don’t see enough of the violence, like two guys trying to actually hurt each other,” said Rozicki.

Billam-Smith expects exactly that type of challenge, but suggested Rozicki’s comments reveal the path he believes gives him the best chance of winning.

“The only way he can win this fight is, and he knows that,” said Billiam-Smith.

“He’s saying that my coach is telling me to move and run. But that’s what I’m saying. Are you going to take the bait?”

Rozicki later joked that he hopes Billam-Smith doesn’t spend the night boxing from range.

“I just don’t please don’t move too much.”

The fight headlines Zuffa Boxing’s first event in the United Kingdom and marks Billam-Smith’s debut under his new promotional deal. The Bournemouth native enters as a heavy favorite, but Rozicki appears convinced that if he can force the former world champion into a firefight, the odds will not matter.

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