Canadian cruiserweight Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1-1, 19 KOs) isn’t just fighting for a belt on May 3 — he believes he’s fighting with the spirit of Jack Dempsey in his corner.
Rozicki challenges WBC Cruiserweight Champion Badou Jack (28-3-3, 17 KOs) as part of the Riyadh Season card, headlined by Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs. William Scull, live on DAZN Pay-Per-View from Saudi Arabia.
The Dempsey Connection: “He Was a Killer”
At just 30 years old, Rozicki is no stranger to knockouts — with 19 KOs in 22 fights, he boasts a 95% knockout rate, surpassing even Dempsey’s famed 81%.
But Rozicki’s connection to Dempsey runs deeper than just power. As a teenager, Rozicki became obsessed after watching Dempsey’s 1919 destruction of Jess Willard.
“The moment I saw him throw that left hook… it was almost like a legal assault,” Rozicki said. “I must have watched it at least 100 times.”
“He didn’t get into the ring to make friends. He was a killer.”
Since then, Rozicki has emulated Dempsey’s style, energy, and even demeanor — and says he brings the “orange book” he was gifted by an old trainer to every fight, a rare book written about Dempsey he’s never seen anywhere else.
Rozicki’s Dream: “Dempsey Told Me to Be Myself”
In a surreal moment, Rozicki shared a vivid dream that he says “freaks people out.” In it, he stood at the door of the old Jack Dempsey’s restaurant in New York, where inside, he met the legend himself.
“He was older. I tried to show him our similarities on my phone, but there was no service. He told me to put the phone away. He told me to focus on being the best version of myself.”
Rozicki’s promoter Dan Otter wasn’t sure what to make of the fighter’s belief at first.
“At first, I dismissed it as mere imagination,” Otter said. “But he really believes it. The power of belief can do incredible things.”
Rozicki has even called Otter his Doc Kearns — the name of Dempsey’s old promoter — and claims Otter resembles him.
Legacy and a Promise
If Rozicki pulls off the upset against Jack, he has one destination in mind: Jack Dempsey’s grave in New York.
“Jack Dempsey is always attached to my name,” Rozicki said. “That will remain that way throughout my career.”
“When I win the world title, I’ll go to his grave in Southampton Cemetery… and leave my belt there.”
Rozicki vs. Jack – May 3, 2025 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
WBC Cruiserweight World Title Fight
Streaming Live on DAZN PPV
Will Rozicki prove that belief, style, and legacy can carry him through? Or will Badou Jack remind him that the present doesn’t bow to the past?
Either way, the ghost of Dempsey will be watching.
‘The Bruiser’ thinks he can just channel Dempsey like it’s a video game? This ain’t some fairy tale! Just because he dreams about it doesn’t make it real. Jack will knock him out for sure!
I think this whole idea of Rozicki connectin with Dempsey is just nonsense. He ain’t no Dempsey and never will be! Just cause he has a few KOs don’t mean he’s got the same skill or legacy. Ridiculous!
Honestly, Will, your opinion is so low level. Rozicki’s knockouts show he has talent! Plus, who cares about comparisons? It’s about his journey and spirit! Stop hating and appreciate boxing!
Will, you clearly don’t understand boxing history or the importance of legacy. Dempsey was a legend, yes, but Rozicki’s inspiration is what drives him to succeed! It’s about passion and determination!
Wow, Rozicki believes he’s channeling Jack Dempsey? That’s adorable! Next, he’ll be telling us he has a direct line to Ali for fight tips. Can’t wait to see how well that works out for him in the ring!