Rozicki: I'm not getting a points decision, knockout or nothing

Ryan Rozicki says he will not win on the scorecards against Chris Billam-Smith and must knock out the champion to claim the WBO cruiserweight title this weekend.

“Hopefully shorter. I'm very confident. We're going to try not to take as much damage while we're going for the knockout. If it does [go to points], I lost. I'm not getting a points decision here. We all know that, so it's a knockout or get knocked out.”

— Ryan Rozicki, via Sky Sports

What Ryan Rozicki said

The Canadian challenger faces Billam-Smith in a cruiserweight title fight on home soil for the Briton. Rozicki enters as the away fighter in a bout where judges' scorecards often favour the defending champion. The unbeaten contender has built his reputation on power rather than points victories.

What it moves

Rozicki's admission removes any gameplan ambiguity. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "If it does [go to points], I lost. I'm not getting a points decision here. We all know that, so it's a knockout or get knocked out." The challenger added he is targeting a shorter night than his recent outings while taking less damage. Billam-Smith now knows his opponent will press for a stoppage from the opening bell.

Source: skysports.com. Full Ryan Rozicki fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.