talkSPORT tips – boxing bets and expert advice for Billam-Smith vs Rozicki

Chris Billam-Smith has captured British, Commonwealth, European and World titles in a fantastic career and the Bournemouth boxer returns to his home town for another crack at the big time.

The Gentleman takes on Canadian Ryan Rozicki at the Bournemouth International Centre and we have a value selection for Saturday’s big-fight night.

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Chris Billam-Smith vs Ryan Rozicki betting tips

Chris Billam-Smith to win by decision @ 10/11

Bet of the day

Chris Billam-Smith to win by decision @ 10/11

Bournemouth banger set for another South Coast success

Former WBO cruiserweight king Billam-Smith returns to the scene of his finest hour when he faces Ryan Rozicki in Bournemouth on Saturday night.

The Gentleman defeated Lawrence Okolie in front of a home Bournemouth crowd at the Vitality Stadium to win the world title in 2023 and a return to the peak of the sport will be the target for the 35-year-old.

It is an interesting night for the sport, with Zuffa Boxing staging their inaugural UK card, and Billam-Smith has been given the headline billing.

The Bournemouth boxer was crowned a British, Commonwealth and European champion, before making the step-up to world level to face Okolie.

Billam-Smith produced a brilliant display to down The Sauce three times before outpointing the previously undefeated Londoner and that rates as strong form in the context of a bout with Rozicki.

The Gentleman made two successful defences of his world title against the experienced Mateusz Masternak and then Richard Riakporhe, who is the current British heavyweight champion.

Gilberto Ramirez, who is a veteran of 48 professional victories, ended Billam-Smith’s golden run and, while Zurdo has since been beaten by the elite-level David Benavidez, it’s clear that the Briton is a fighter capable of performing near to the peak of the sport.

Rozicki’s run

Rozicki has climbed the rankings after winning 21 of his 23 professional contests and 20 of those victories have come by knockout.

The Canadian made a play for the WBC bridgerweight title in 2021, but Bruiser was bashed up and comfortably outpointed by his Colombian opponent.

The 31-year-old had the chance to claim the interim world cruiserweight title in a rematch with Yamil Alberto Peralta two years ago. But the Nova Scotia fighter had to settle for a draw and Rozicki has fought only once since that Centre 200 bout.

Bruiser will be fighting outside of his homeland for the first time in Bournemouth and Rozicki’s record has undoubtedly been padded by low-key bouts in his native Canada.

Billam-Smith doesn’t look underpriced at 2/7 on the match betting. The British boxer having the stronger record, better recent performances and The Gentleman looked fairly good in his comeback fight against Brandon Glanton last year.

The Bournemouth fighter doesn’t have huge power in the cruiserweight division and, although Rozicki is a level or two below Billam-Smith, the Canadian is a durable opponent.

The Gentleman has seen eight of his last 11 bouts go the distance and the 35-year-old is more reliant on workrate, punch output and conditioning than stunning one-shot power.

The 10/11 about Billam-Smith winning on points looks the best way to play what should be a happy homecoming in Bournemouth.

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