Billam-Smith stops Rozicki in Zuffa Boxing’s UK debut

Billam-Smith stops Rozicki in Zuffa Boxing’s UK debutImage source, Zuffa BoxingImage caption, Chris Billam-Smith has picked up 14 of his 22 wins by stoppageByDan GeorgeBBC Sport England at the Bournemouth International CentrePublished34 minutes agoBritain’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.Former WBO cruiserweight champion Billam-Smith threw everything at Rozicki during an electric contest and finally found the breakthrough at the end of the seventh with a combination of hooks.After Rozicki stumbled back to the corner, his team threw in the towel and Billam-Smith climbed on the ropes to celebrate.Both fighters received treatment in the ring with Rozicki requiring oxygen before they embraced and raised their arms to a packed crowd who applauded their efforts at Bournemouth International Centre. Billam-Smith did not take part in any post-fight media activities and Zuffa Boxing chief Dana White later verified both fighters went straight to hospital.”I’ve never seen a puncher like that. The power that guy [Rozicki] possesses is something else,” Billam-Smith’s coach Shane McGuigan told Sky Sports.”As a friend, as a coach, it was horrible to sit there and watch but he [Billam-Smith] stayed patient, he’s been out the ring for a long time and there was definitely some ring rust but he outlasted an extremely tough man.”He loves a tear-up no matter where he is but when he’s in the BIC it’s even worse. He had to fight that way, Rozicki was exhausted after a couple of rounds but he kept coming.”Chris is resilience in abundance. He’s a determined man, a family man and everything you would want in a role model.”It is Billam-Smith’s 22nd victory in 24 fights as a professional.What is Zuffa Boxing and can it shake up the sport?