Canadian cruiserweight hammer Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki just hit another career speed bump. The WBC No.2 and Ring Magazine No.4 cruiserweight has re-injured the same right arm that wrecked his world title shot earlier this year, forcing Three Lions Promotions to postpone its October 25 show in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Rozicki (20-1-1, 19 KOs) was supposed to headline against South Africa’s Akani “Prince” Phuzi for the WBC Continental Americas strap — a stay-busy fight meant to keep him sharp for a 2026 world title push. Instead, the 30-year-old tore at that same bicep tendon during sparring and will be shut down six weeks on doctor’s orders.
Another Tough Break For Canada’s Big Puncher
“I followed all the doctor’s advice and began sparring a few weeks ago,” Rozicki said. “I guess I need some more time. I’ll be back stronger than ever in the new year. I will become champion of the world in 2026!”
It’s been a rough 2025: first, the April tendon tear robbed him of a mandatory shot at WBC champ Badou Jack in May; now this latest tweak wrecks his comeback date. Three Lions boss Daniel Otter kept it real: “Ryan has had a tough go in 2025, but he’s in good spirits. He injured his arm in sparring — not as serious as the original injury — but he’s sidelined until the new year. We’ll announce a new date soon. Mark my words, Ryan Rozicki will be a world champion in 2026!”
What It Means For The Cruiserweight Picture
Rozicki’s ranked No.2 by the WBC, No.4 by Ring Magazine, and No.13 by the WBO. He’s a KO artist with a cult following in Canada, but the clock’s ticking. Each injury delay risks losing momentum while champs like Jack, Opetaia and Billam-Smith keep moving.
What’s the point of fighting some guy with only 6 knockouts? That ain’t a real test for Rozicki if he wants to be champion one day. He should face someone stronger, not a warm-up dummy.
‘Zactly! You can’t prove nothing beating someone who ain’t got no power in their hands anyway! Rozicki better stop picking easy fights 🤨.
‘Bout time somebody said it! Phuzi gonna show up, take a few punches, and go home with his check 💸.
If he tore his biceps before then how we supposed to believe he’s really fine now? They all say they’re ready until they get hit once and break again. This whole comeback feels sketchy.
True! Injuries like that don’t go away just like that. I think he’s rushing back too soon cause he scared people will forget him or something 😒.
I agree with you both, fighters lie all the time about being healthy. One punch and that arm gonna fall off again probably 😬.
I don’t get why people acting like this fight matters so much. It ain’t even for the real title, just some little belt that don’t mean much. Rozicki needs to fight real champs, not this.
Exactly man! If you not fighting for the big title then what’s the point? Fighting at home just to look good in front of fans is weak. Go big or stay home 🥊.