Chris Billam-Smith believes Ryan Rozicki has taken his opportunity seriously, but he doesn’t think a single training camp can make up for years spent competing at a higher level.
The former WBO cruiserweight champion returns on Saturday against Rozicki in Bournemouth, with the winner expected to move closer to a major fight in a division led by Jai Opetaia.
Billam-Smith was asked whether Rozicki genuinely believes he belongs at this level.
“I believe he thinks he’s got an opportunity. He’s taken it very seriously, and he’s doing everything he needs to do. But sometimes that’s just not enough. Sometimes you’re just not good enough,” said Billiam-Smith to ProBox TV.
“I think he is what he is with regards to his punch power and physique and what he does. But sometimes there’s things you can’t just switch on for a training camp. When I’ve been doing it for so long, and I’ve been at a higher level for so long, you can’t just catch up to that in one training camp.”
Rozicki enters the fight with a reputation as one of the division’s hardest punchers and has repeatedly spoken about ending the bout by knockout. Billam-Smith acknowledged the threat but believes experience will be a significant factor when they meet.
“He spoke already about, ‘I’m going to win by knockout, or I’m going to get knocked out.’ So he’s not doubting the fact that he knows he can get beaten.
“But I think he feels like it’s a good opportunity.”
Saturday’s fight is Billam-Smith’s first outing since his points win over Brandon Glanton in April 2025. A victory would keep him in the mix for the biggest fights at cruiserweight, including a potential clash with Ring Magazine champion Jai Opetaia.
“For me, I think he believes he’s got an opportunity and he’s going to give it everything. But the Jai Opetaia fight is the one I want at the moment. That’s the next step, but I’ve got to take care of business on Saturday first.”
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Last Updated on 2026/06/04 at 11:24 AM
