Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing has made an early impression on the cruiserweight division by signing former IBF world champion Jai Opetaia early this year.
Over the past week Zuffa added two more than credible contenders to its roster at 200 pounds. Former WBO world champion Chris Billam-Smith signed up alongside Canadian knockout artist Ryan Rozicki.
Rozicki (21-1-1, 20 KOs) has seen his entire career take place in his homeland, under the watch of fellow Canadian, Daniel Otter of Three Lions Promotions. Despite Rozicki linking up with Zuffa and White, Otter and his company will still play a major role in guiding the 31-year-old.
“Three Lions Promotions has been with me from the beginning and is still an important part of my team as I take this next step,” Rozicki said in a statement sent to Boxing Social. “Everything is now in place for me to succeed at the highest level. I’m already training and ready for my next opportunity. I can’t wait to get back in the ring.”
It pales in comparison to the fallout we saw between Conor Benn and Eddie Hearn when the English welterweight moved to White’s Zuffa.
Otter added his explanation: “Three Lions Promotions will continue to play an active role in supporting Rozicki, who has been promoted by the Canadian-based promotional company since 2018, throughout the next phase of his career, working collaboratively to ensure Ryan is positioned for success at the highest level of the sport. Zuffa Boxing has been great to work with and we’re looking forward to what’s ahead.
“We’ve built Ryan from the ground up and remain fully invested in his future. This is just the beginning of what we firmly believe will be a life-changing chapter of Ryan’s boxing career and life.”
