Rozicki criticizes Billiam-Smith’s weigh-in appearance ahead of Bournemouth fight
8 reported
Ryan Rozicki accused Chris Billiam-Smith of “looking terrible” at their weigh-in on Friday, claiming some “magic” took place on the scales before their bout in Bournemouth. Both fighters were officially recorded at exactly 200lb, the cruiserweight limit, for the 10-round clash at the Bournemouth International Centre on Saturday. Rozicki told Sky Sports he checked his weight at his hotel before the weigh-in and was 196lb, but was then told he was 200lb on the official scale. He alleged that Billiam-Smith was initially 201lb before the scale was adjusted to 200lb, calling the process “not the real weight.” The British Boxing Board of Control later ruled the weight was correct, making a protest impossible. Sky Sports Boxing’s Andy Clarke explained the discrepancy was due to the use of analogue scales, which are more fiddly than the usual digital scales, and that the initial reading of 201lb was announced before the scale had settled. Tension between the fighters continued at the ceremonial weigh-in, where Zuffa Boxing’s Dana White intervened to end an intense stare down.
What’s reported
Ryan Rozicki accused Chris Billiam-Smith of “looking terrible” at the weigh-in and claimed “magic” occurred on the scales.
Both fighters were officially recorded at exactly 200lb, the cruiserweight limit.
Rozicki said he checked his weight at his hotel and was 196lb, but was told he was 200lb on the official scale.
Rozicki alleged Billiam-Smith was initially 201lb before the scale was adjusted to 200lb.
The British Boxing Board of Control ruled the weight was correct, preventing a protest.
Sky Sports Boxing’s Andy Clarke said analogue scales were used instead of digital, and the initial 201lb reading was announced before the scale settled.
The bout is a 10-round clash at the Bournemouth International Centre on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
Zuffa Boxing’s Dana White intervened to end a tense stare down at the ceremonial weigh-in.
Key figures
Ryan Rozicki, Canadian boxer
Chris Billiam-Smith, British boxer
Andy Clarke, Sky Sports Boxing commentator
Dana White, Zuffa Boxing executive
Sources: Sky Sports
