SYDNEY, N.S. —
The World Boxing Council International Silver Cruiserweight Championship is staying in Cape Breton.
Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki defended the championship belt with a technical knockout win over Vladimir Reznicek (9-3-2, 4KOs) during the Valentine’s Day Massacre card at Centre 200 on Friday.
The fight was stopped at 1:44 of the third-round by referee Hubert Earle as Reznicek received numerous punches to the head while on the ropes.
“I think he was one of my toughest opponents – it’s a toss-up between Vladimir and Khetag Pliev,” said Rozicki. “It was quite the battle while it lasted.”
Both Rozicki and Reznicek exchanged various punches in the opening round of the bout, which was scheduled for 10 rounds. Reznicek caught Rozicki with a left hook, which busted the nose of the Sydney Forks native.
The fighters continued to land heavy punches in the second round, bringing the reported crowd of 4,000 fans to their feet, both earning a standing ovation.
“It was almost like I woke up in the second round,” said Rozicki. “The first-round, I felt a little slow and a little rusty, but I’ve been off since September and I’m used to being an active fighter…. the second round he woke the bruiser up.”