Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Gets a kick out of British sports fans
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 02 Jun 2026
(L-R) – Dan Otter (front row, center wearing sunglasses & Ryan Rozicki (front row, far right).
HAMILTON, Ontario, Canada (June 1, 2026) – Canadian cruiserweight contender Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (21-1-1, 20 KOs) has developed a strong admiration and tremendous respect for British sports fans since he first traveled to England in 2023.
As Rozicki prepares for this Saturday’s showdown with Chris “The Gentleman” Billam-Smith (21-2, 13 KOs), to take place in his opponent’s hometown of Bournemouth, England, the heavily tattooed prizefighter hopes to have some British soccer fans in his corner, especially the most passionate fans of the Sheffield Wednesday F.C., as well as possibly a player or two, from the club known as “The Owls,” which was founded back in 1867.
Rozicki and his longtime promoter, Three Lions Promotions managing director Dan Otter, attended a 2023 playoff game at the famed Wembley Stadium in London to watch a promotional playoff match between neighboring cities football clubs, Sheffield Wednesday F.C. and Barnsley F.C. Otter’s family comes from Sheffield and is a strong supporter of Sheffield Wednesday. Rozicki was simply blown away by the loyalty of Sheffield Wednesday F.C. fans.
“I’ve traveled to a lot of places and been around plenty of sporting events, Rozicki said, “but the passion of the Sheffield Wednesday supporters was something else. The noise, the pride, and the way they backed their club all day was incredible. It reminded me a lot of what boxing fans are like when they get behind one of their own.”
Otter firmly believes the connection between Rozicki and Sheffield Wednesday is genuine.
“Ryan absolutely loved the experience at Wembley,” Otter added. “The Wednesday supporters welcomed us and the atmosphere was unbelievable. Ever since then he’s followed the club and always asks how they’re getting on. It’s a real connection, not something manufactured for a headline.”
The 10-round Smith-Billam vs. Rozicki match will headline Zuffa Boxing’s inaugural event in the United Kingdom.
“When fans in England get to watch Ryan and see his style of fighting, they will absolutely love it," Otter predicted. "He is the real deal, a pressure fighter with a throwback style. Everyone is in for a real treat on June 6th.”
Rozicki has been on a mission, albeit loaded with obstacles, to become the first Canadian-born World Cruiserweight Champion. The winner of Smith-Billam vs. Rozicki will likely be at the head of the line to challenge Zuffa Boxing and Ring Magazine’s World Cruiserweight Champion, Jai Opetaia (30-0, 23 KOs).
The 31-year old Rozicki -- world rated #1 by the WBC, Ring Magazine #6, WBA #10, and IBF #13 – will be rooting this summer for his native Canada’s national soccer team, of course, but a close second for him is now traditional power England. Canada (Vancouver and Toronto), Mexico and the United States are World Cup hosts.
“I’m Canadian,” Rozicki proudly noted, “but I’ve always had a soft spot for England since that trip.” If a few Wednesday fans are cheering for me on Saturday night, I’ll happily take it.”
Rozicki hopes some Sheffield Wednesday fans will be in Bournemouth this Saturday night, chanting and singing on his behalf, for the most significant fight of his boxing career.
INFORMATION:
Website: www.threelionspromotions.com
Facebook: #ThreeLionsPromotions #RyanRozickiBoxing
Instagram: @3LionsPromotions @Ryan_Rozicki
X: @RRozicki
LinkedIN: @DanielOtter
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