Boxing
Billam-Smith happy to earn Rozicki respect after brutal war bout
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Chris Billam-Smith admitted he was happy to earn Ryan Rozicki's respect after the pair played out a brutal bout on Saturday night.
'The Gentleman' secured victory over the Canadian in a bloody cruiserweight contest at the Bournemouth International Centre.
A heated build-up from Rozicki added some extra spice to the occasion, but it was Billam-Smith who prevailed after seven rounds.
Both men were taken to hospital, but speaking after his discharge, the Briton has opened up on sharing the ring - and a ward - with his foe.
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"He got pushed past my room on a bed," he told The Ring. "The curtain was slightly open and we kind of waved at each other.
"He was very respectful. In the ring he had said that he was glad that I was the man to stop him because I’m a great fighter.
"I saw him in the hotel and had a chat. AÂ few things were said so it was nice to have that respect between us and the two teams
"Overall, I’m happy with the performance. It wasn’t near my best and there’s plenty I need to work on, but I have to be happy with that."
What next for Billam-Smith after return?
DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel
It feels like a hot minute has passed since we saw Chris Billam-Smith in the ring - but it seems 'The Gentleman' still has the touch.
The star was below his self-professed peak as he shook off the rust against Ryan Rozicki, but it was a valuable return for the star.
A lengthy spell on the sidelines, followed by his arrival with Zuffa, appears to have paved the way now for him to pursue his dreams.
That, of course, is a long-awaited cruiserweight crunch clash with former IBF champion Jai Opetaia for bragging rights in the division.
The Australian would enter any such bout as the favourite. But you can expect Billam-Smith to relish his underdog status in any such bout.
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