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

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. …