Ryan Rozicki’s fame as one in every of boxing’s most aggressive punchers will be traced again greater than a century to a battle that came about lengthy earlier than he was born.
The Canadian cruiserweight, who faces Chris Billam-Smith on June 6 in Bournemouth, says his outlook on preventing was closely influenced by watching Jack Dempsey’s destruction of Jess Willard in 1919. The bout stays probably the most well-known heavyweight title fights in boxing historical past and left an enduring impression on Rozicki when he first found it as a younger fighter.
“Once I noticed it, at the moment in my life, it was all about violence,” mentioned Rozicki to Sky Sports activities’ The Gloves Are Off.
“It was at all times about how a lot harm I might do to anyone in a road battle. I’m not going to get into an excessive amount of element about that.
“However after I noticed Jack Dempsey battle, the best way he attacked Willard – it was simply the violence he displayed in that battle.
“To this present day, I believe it’s most likely probably the most brutal set of accidents ever suffered in a single boxing match. I attempt to do the identical factor.”
Rozicki’s fashion has mirrored that philosophy all through his skilled profession. Twenty of his 21 victories have come by knockout, and he has constructed a fame as a relentless stress fighter who’s prepared to commerce punches in pursuit of a stoppage.
The 31-year-old mentioned Dempsey stays a supply of inspiration greater than 100 years after the previous heavyweight champion’s victory over Willard.
“What Jack Dempsey did on that evening, on July 4, 1919, in Toledo, Ohio, modified the course of boxing without end. I’d wish to carry somewhat bit extra of that.
“As a result of though I like boxing, and respect the boxers, the motion, the approach, the jab, the angles, we don’t see sufficient of the violence – like two guys attempting to really damage one another.”
Rozicki will try to carry that method into the ring towards Billam-Smith, the previous WBO cruiserweight champion. Billam-Smith has by no means been knocked down as an expert, however Rozicki believes the attacking fashion that made Dempsey well-known nonetheless has a spot in trendy boxing.
Whether or not that method is sufficient to hand Billam-Smith a primary defeat since 2024 stays to be seen. One factor is obvious, although. Rozicki’s preventing identification was formed way back by a heavyweight champion who competed greater than a century earlier than his personal profession started.
Click on right here to subscribe to our FREE e-newsletter
Associated Boxing Information:
Classes Jack Dempsey
Boxing Information 24 » Jack Dempsey » The Jack Dempsey Battle That Formed Ryan Rozicki
Final Up to date on 2026/06/01 at 11:19 AM
