Three Lions Promotions has postponed its October 25th boxing pro boxing event in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada due to headliner Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1-1, 19 KOs) reinjuring his right arm during training camp. He has been advised by his physician to refrain from training for up to six weeks. Rozicki, set to fight Akani “Prince” Phuzi, initially tore a tendon in his right bicep this past April as the WBC’s mandatory challenger, which prevented him from challenging WBC champion Badou Jack for his world title belt this past May. “I followed all of the doctor’s advice and began sparring a few weeks ago,” the hard-luck Rozicki explained. “I guess I need some more time. I will be back stronger than ever in the new year. I will become champion of the world in 2026!”
“Ryan has had a tough go in 2025, but he is still in good spirits,” said Daniel Otter, Managing Director of Three Lions Promotions, which promotes the 30 year-old Rozicki. “He injured his arm in sparring, not as seriously as the original injury this past May, but he will be sidelined until the new year. We will be announcing a new date in the days to come. It’s awful when this happens and I truly sympathize with all the boxers who were competing on the October 25th card. That being said, Ryan will have to wait just a little longer with his rehabilitation to get back in the ring. Mark my words, Ryan Rozicki will be a world champion in 2026!”
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
JULY 25, 2025: 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 teb-round main event. “We’re excited to bring Ryan Rozicki back home to Sydney, Nova Scotia, on October 25th 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.”
“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 3rd, as the mandatory challenger, the hard-luck Canadian boxer had been scheduled to face WBC cruiserweight 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... in October and then, of course, fight for the world title.” Rozicki earned his WBC #1 challenger position during the past two years but faced setbacks with two canceled title fights against ex-champ Noel Mikaelyan. His injury cost him the world title fight with Jack on May 3rd, 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 cruiserweight champion. “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.”
