European champion Jean Jacques Olivier (15-2-1, 10 KOs) has pulled out from the upcoming Saturday’s Halifax bout against Ryan Rozicki (17-1, 16 KOs) for the WBC cruiserweight silver title. Consequently, Rozicki will ascend to the heavyweight category to face off against Zamig Atakishiyev (8-1-1, 6 KOs) of Azerbaijan in a ten-round fight. Despite Rozicki being a smaller cruiserweight, Three Lions Promotions CEO, Daniel Otter, voiced his optimism, stating, “we are confident in Ryan’s great potential.”
Meanwhile, the co-main event is set to feature WBC Youth world titleholder Pedro “Simba” Bernal (11-1, 3 KOs) taking on former world title challenger Tyson Cave (35-3, 13 KOs) in an eight-round encounter.
In other news, a last-minute mishap has forced WBO #14 heavyweight Justis Huni (7-0, 4 KOs) to pull out of his June 17 bout with Andrew Tabiti (20-1, 16 KOs) due to an ankle injury sustained during sparring. The ten-round fight was meant to be part of the undercard for the WBC super lightweight bout between Regis Prograis and Danielito Zorrillo, promoted by Eddie Hearn.
Speaking on his withdrawal, Huni told the Courier Mail, “I am devastated that this has happened so close to the fight.” The boxer was prepared and on the verge of departing for the event when the injury occurred.
Image Credit: DAZN