Canadian knockout artist Ryan Rozicki will return from injury on October 25 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, opposite South Africa’s Akani Phuzi. Rozicki, ranked No. 4 by The Ring at cruiserweight, tore his right-arm biceps tendon during sparring for a planned WBC title shot against Badou Jack in April. Surgery ended that opportunity, but the 30-year-old says the setback has sharpened his resolve: “At first I was distraught, but I believe everything happens for a reason. Now it’s about winning this regional belt and then chasing the world title.”
Promoter Daniel Otter of Three Lions Promotions calls Phuzi “no slouch” and the right test for a comeback. Phuzi began his career 11-0, split a trilogy with Johnny Muller, and most recently outpointed a journeyman after dropping an eight-rounder to Olympic silver medallist Muslim Gadzhimagomedov.
Rozicki’s résumé includes thirteen straight knockouts to start his pro run, a gutsy decision loss to larger heavyweight Oscar Rivas, and a controversial series with crafty Yamil Peralta - one disputed split-decision win and a draw in the rematch. A first-round stoppage of former title challenger Olanrewaju Durodola underlined Rozicki’s power before injury struck.
The Sydney card will also feature Canadian super-middleweight champion John Michael Bianco (9-1, 4 KOs), middleweight Brett Beaton (6-3, 4 KOs), and a women’s bout between Meilyn Sanchez (3-0, 1 KO) and Silvia Duan (4-3, 3 KOs), with opponents for Bianco and Beaton to be confirmed.
Fight card:
▪️Ryan Rozicki vs. Akani Phuzi, 10 rounds, for the WBC regional cruiserweight title
▪️John Michael Bianco vs. TBA, 10 rounds, super middleweight
▪️Brett Beaton vs. TBA, 8 rounds, middleweight
▪️Meilyn Sanchez vs. Silvia Duan, 6 rounds, super featherweight
