Rozicki Back In The Gym, returning to the Ring

Canadian Cruiserweight Contender Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki Back in the gym, returning to ring October 25 in Nova Scotia

HAMILTON, Ontario, Canada (July 23, 2025) – World cruiserweight contender Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1-1, 19 KOs) has resumed training following a torn right bicep tendon sustained in April.

His promoter, Three Lions Promotions, has announced Rozicki will officially make his return to the ring on October 25th at home in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Rozicki will face South African Akani “Prime” Phuzi (14-3, 6 KOs) in the 10-round main event for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas Cruiserweight Championship.

“We’re excited to bring Ryan Rozicki back home to Sydney, Nova Scotia, on October 25^th for what promises to be an explosive matchup against South Africa’s Akani ‘Prime’ Phuzi,” commented Daniel Otter, Managing Director of Three Lions Promotions. “This could very well be Ryan’s final fight in Cape Breton as he resumes his world title pursuit abroad, making it a special opportunity for local fans to witness him live. Tickets are on sale this Friday (July 25) at 10 a.m. ET through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.ca) and the Centre 200 website (www.centre200.ca). We’re expecting a packed house.”

Canadian Super Middleweight Champion John Michael ‘JM’ Bianco (9-1, 4 KOs) will also be fighting on the Oct. 25^th card versus an opponent to be determined. Undefeated Mexican native Meilyn Sanchez (3-0, 1 KO), now fighting out of Canada, will take on Costa Rican super bantamweight Silvia Duan (4-3, 3 KOs) in a 6-round bout, while Canadian middleweight Brett Beaton (6-3, 4 KOs) will be showcased against an opponent to be determined. Full card details will be announced shortly.

“I have trained my whole life for an opportunity like this,” Phuzi said. “I am coming to spoil Rozicki’s plan, take his ranking, and fight for the world title.”

Back on May 3^rd, as the mandatory challenger, the hard-luck Canadian boxer had been scheduled to face World Boxing Council (WBC) Cruiserweight World Champion Badou “The Ripper” Jack in Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, the aforementioned injury forced him to withdraw from his third ordered world title fight. The 30-year-old native of Nova Scotia has since undergone successful surgery, and he plans to secure his long-awaited world title shot in 2026.

“I was sparring for my fight with Jack,” Rozicki remembered. “I threw a right to the body, and my tendon snapped. I certainly wasn’t expecting that, but I knew it when I heard it pop. I didn’t see it (damaged bicep) until I looked down and saw my bicep pulled up to my shoulder.

“At first, I was distraught, but after some time, I believed everything happens for a reason and that will show in the near future. There have been some difficult moments. I just went back to the gym for the first time (since he suffered his injury) since it happened. I just keep thinking about the future and what’s coming.

“After this layoff, I just want to get back in the ring, win this belt (WBC Continental Americas) in October and then, of course, fight for the world title.”

Rozicki earned his WBC No. 1 challenger position during the past two years but faced setbacks with two canceled title fights against Noel Mikaelyan. His injury cost him the world title fight with Jack on May 3^rd, he was replaced by Mikaelyan, who then lost a disputed decision. Mikaelyan’s petition for an immediate rematch was granted, and negotiations are ongoing.

Rozicki, of course, is due for a positive break after so many disappointing setbacks during his 9-year professional boxing career. He was just elevated to the No. 4 position in Ring Magazine’s independent world cruiserweight ratings, ahead of Jack, Mikaelyan, and Peralta.

Otter is confident in the process, as well as his fighter, in terms of becoming the first Canadian-born World Cruiserweight Champion.

“We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for his ongoing support, reflected in Ryan’s recognition by Ring Magazine,” Otter concluded. “Our appreciation also goes to WBC President Maurico Sulaiman and Alberto Leon of the WBC for sanctioning this bout.

“While this may not be the title fight we originally had in mind at the start of the year, it’s the perfect comeback bout for Rozicki following his injury. His opponent is no slouch, and this will be a real test that fans won’t want to miss.”

Rozicki is preparing to take care of business on Oct. 25 to continue his championship dream.

“I’m going to get that WBC World title belt,” Rozicki exclaimed.

Canadian Cruiserweight Contender Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki Back in the gym, returning to ring October 25 in Nova Scotia

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