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

Image source, Zuffa Boxing Image caption, Chris Billam-Smith has picked up 14 of his 22 wins by stoppage By Dan George BBC Sport England at the Bournemouth International Centre Published 20 minutes ago Britain'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 confirmed 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? Published 1 day ago Billam-Smith targets Opetaia after signing with Zuffa Published 13 April The fight was all action from the first bell, with Rozicki leading the dance as Billam-Smith looked to land power punches and hooks off the back foot. Rozicki, who was fighting outside of Canada for the first time, was warned in the opening round for using his head and deducted a point in the second round for continued use. After three rounds the pair started to tire as they gave everything to keep up with the high pace of the contest. Heading into the fifth, Rozicki was cut over both eyes and had taken some serious punishment, but the 31-year-old came back swinging each time and landed some damaging shots. Billam-Smith, fighting for the first time since signing with Zuffa Boxing , emptied the tank - landing at least 10 successive hooks - in the sixth after backing Rozicki into the corner. They traded blows in the seventh round before Billam-Smith landed a flurry of hooks leading up to the bell. Scorecards showed all three judges had 'The Gentleman' leading - 68-64 68-64 and 69-63 - before Rozicki's corner called it a night. Zuffa Boxing plant flag i