HAMILTON, Ontario, Canada – In boxing, timing is every little thing. And for Canadian cruiserweight contender Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1-1, 19 KOs), timing has not been on his aspect—a minimum of not but.
After spending two years because the WBC’s No. 1 obligatory challenger, Rozicki noticed two world title photographs fall by way of as a result of shifting champions, with Noel Mikaelyan named Champion in Recess and Badou “The Ripper” Jack in the end taking up as titleholder. When Rozicki lastly secured his long-awaited world title shot in opposition to Jack, set for Might 3, destiny intervened once more.
Rozicki tore his bicep throughout coaching camp and was pressured to withdraw from the bout simply 4 weeks earlier than combat night time. Mikaelyan stepped in as a alternative and misplaced a controversial majority determination to Jack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
WBC Cruiserweight Division Updates
Following the shake-up, the WBC Board of Governors issued a number of key selections:
Jack vs. Mikaelyan Rematch Ordered: A direct rematch has been mandated between present WBC champion Badou Jack (29-3-3, 18 KOs) and No. 1 contender Noel Mikaelyan (27-3, 12 KOs). If no settlement is reached by July 1, a handbag bid might be held.
Interim Title Bout Set: On June 28, Jean Pascal (37-7-1, 21 KOs) will face Michal Cieslak (27-2, 21 KOs) for the WBC Interim Cruiserweight Title. The winner should then face No. 3-ranked Yamil Alberto Peralta (17-1-1, 9 KOs).
Rozicki’s Return Underneath Evaluation: The WBC has requested a medical certificates and harm replace from Rozicki to evaluate his eligibility and timeline for return.
Rozicki: “I Have Waited for Extra Than Two Years for This Belt”
Regardless of the setback, Rozicki stays decided. He and his crew at Three Lions Promotions are making ready to submit the required medical documentation to the WBC as he begins restoration and targets a return to the ring later this 12 months.
“My arm feels nice,” Rozicki stated. “I’d get within the ring tomorrow, however the medical doctors have suggested that I wait a pair extra months. I’ve waited for greater than two years for this belt. I’m centered greater than ever. It’s solely a matter of time.”
Promoter Dan Otter confirmed Rozicki is already again within the health club and eyeing a return to full motion by fall.
“Ryan is already again within the health club and he might be able to combat earlier than the tip of this September,” Otter said. “He needs that inexperienced belt (WBC) and we’re assured that he’ll win it in opposition to whoever it’s.”
Whereas the cruiserweight panorama continues to shift, Rozicki’s resolve stays unshaken. He could also be sidelined quickly, however “The Bruiser” remains to be on a mission—and the WBC inexperienced belt remains to be very a lot in his sights.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Government Author, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a ardour for Fight Sports activities and likewise a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s additionally a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
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