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HAMILTON, Ontario, Canada – In boxing, timing is everything. And for Canadian cruiserweight contender Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1-1, 19 KOs), timing has not been on his side—at least not yet.
After spending two years as the WBC’s No. 1 mandatory challenger, Rozicki saw two world title shots fall through due to shifting champions, with Noel Mikaelyan named Champion in Recess and Badou “The Ripper” Jack ultimately taking over as titleholder. When Rozicki finally secured his long-awaited world title shot against Jack, set for May 3, fate intervened again.
Rozicki tore his bicep during training camp and was forced to withdraw from the bout just four weeks before fight night. Mikaelyan stepped in as a replacement and lost a controversial majority decision to Jack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
WBC Cruiserweight Division Updates
Following the shake-up, the WBC Board of Governors issued several key decisions:
Jack vs. Mikaelyan Rematch Ordered: A direct rematch has been mandated between current WBC champion Badou Jack (29-3-3, 18 KOs) and No. 1 contender Noel Mikaelyan (27-3, 12 KOs). If no agreement is reached by July 1, a purse bid will 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 must then face No. 3-ranked Yamil Alberto Peralta (17-1-1, 9 KOs).
Rozicki’s Return Under Review: The WBC has requested a medical certificate and injury update from Rozicki to assess his eligibility and timeline for return.
Rozicki: “I Have Waited for More Than Two Years for This Belt”
Despite the setback, Rozicki remains determined. He and his team at Three Lions Promotions are preparing to submit the necessary medical documentation to the WBC as he begins recovery and targets a return to the ring later this year.
“My arm feels great,” Rozicki said. “I would get in the ring tomorrow, but the doctors have advised that I wait a couple more months. I have waited for more than two years for this belt. I am focused more than ever. It’s only a matter of time.”
Promoter Dan Otter confirmed Rozicki is already back in the gym and eyeing a return to full action by fall.
“Ryan is already back in the gym and he will be ready to fight before the end of this September,” Otter stated. “He wants that green belt (WBC) and we are confident that he will win it against whoever it is.”
While the cruiserweight landscape continues to shift, Rozicki’s resolve remains unshaken. He may be sidelined temporarily, but “The Bruiser” is still on a mission—and the WBC green belt is still very much in his sights.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
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