Billam Smith vs Rozicki Predictions: ‘The Gentleman’ takes on Canada’s heavy hitter

But whatever you think of their loss-leader business strategy and its effect on the sport, the attraction for an ambitious cruiserweight is clear. While Jai Opetaia holds a worthless Zuffa toy belt, he is also the genuine lineal cruiserweight kingpin. The IBF stripped him of their title for acquiescing to his new promoters’ daft bauble. But Opetaia is the man who beat the man and the true king of the cruiserweights until he is beaten.

Billam-Smith will view a win over Rozicki as a chance to throw his hat in the ring for a money-spinning title challenge. His Canadian foe will see it the same way, of course.

Rozicki is a controversial figure, though he is hardly alone in that lane when it comes to pro boxing. The Nova Scotia fighter has been convicted of assault and domestic abuse in the past.

Rozicki’s record is serviceable rather than outstanding. That number-six ranking with The Ring feels lofty to me. The Canadian’s best wins were a first-round knockout of washed-up fringe contender Olanrewaju Durodola and inflicting the first pro loss upon star amateur Yamil Peralta. The latter fight led to a rematch, where the pair drew for the vacant WBC interim cruiserweight crown.

Rozicki’s sole loss came up at bridgerweight - that bright idea by the WBC. He lost to Oscar Rivas for the WBC world title in their sub-heavyweight hinterland.

Rozicki can fight, even though his credentials are some way short of the lofty world rankings he finds himself being given. A relentless pressure-fighter and good power, the ingredients for a classic cruiserweight clash are in place. Billam-Smith never backs down from a brawl. This one could get tasty.

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Billam-Smith vs Rozicki Prediction

Rivas beat Rozicki by going toe-to-toe with the Canadian. The inaugural WBC bridgerweight boss took shots to give shots. But Rivas was a bona fide heavyweight whose only loss was via decision to Dillian Whyte. 

Billam-Smith is a career-long cruiserweight. His 13 knockouts in 21 wins suggest a lack of power, but ‘CBS’ did have Lawrence Okolie on the floor three times in his title-winning decision victory. 

The Bournemouth boy isn’t easy to shift either. He took plenty from Zurdo in that defeat and also absorbed Glanton’s best before beating the American. 

Taking too many clean shots from Rozicki is not advisable, but Billam-Smith will back himself to survive. I think I back him too, though I reckon he might run into some trouble along the way. Rozicki is a far inferior technical boxer, but it only takes one of his rugged hooks to leave you seeing stars. 

I’m backing Billam-Smith to get the decision at 20/21 in what will surely be a sensational blending of styles. The Brit is a cut above, but Rozicki’s lead-weight fists are one hell of an equaliser.

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