Boxing Chiefs Tell Jack to Fight Rozicki.
World boxing leaders want champion Badou Jack to face Ryan Rozicki next. To set up the match, both sides must agree by February 4.
Jack, 41, last fought in February 2023 when he won his title in Saudi Arabia. The Swedish boxer, who has a Gambian father, lives in Dubai. He tried to move up in weight class last year, but boxing chiefs put him back at his old weight group.
Three Lions Boxing wants to host the fight in Canada. "We sent them our offer," said Dan Otter from the group. "Boxing is big in Canada right now. Rozicki hits hard and wants that green belt."
Rozicki, 29, last fought to a draw with Yamil Peralta. He comes from Nova Scotia but trains in Ontario. He stayed strong through his last eight fights after losing to Oscar Rivas in 2021.
Jack has won titles in three weight groups before. This week, he posted a training video hinting at news about his next fight. He wanted to face another champion, Jai Opetaia, but he must deal with Rozicki first.
"I waited more than a year to fight again," Jack said last month. "Politics kept me away, but I stayed ready in the gym."
Rozicki's team feels good about beating Jack. "We honor Jack, but he passed 40 and hasn't fought much lately," Otter said. "He knows boxing well, but he faces a young, strong fighter. Jack might not last long in the ring."
The match must happen within 60 days of their agreement. Fans are waiting to see if the older champion can hold off the rising Canadian star.
World boxing leaders want champion Badou Jack to face Ryan Rozicki next. To set up the match, both sides must agree by February 4.
Jack, 41, last fought in February 2023 when he won his title in Saudi Arabia. The Swedish boxer, who has a Gambian father, lives in Dubai. He tried to move up in weight class last year, but boxing chiefs put him back at his old weight group.
Three Lions Boxing wants to host the fight in Canada. "We sent them our offer," said Dan Otter from the group. "Boxing is big in Canada right now. Rozicki hits hard and wants that green belt."
Rozicki, 29, last fought to a draw with Yamil Peralta. He comes from Nova Scotia but trains in Ontario. He stayed strong through his last eight fights after losing to Oscar Rivas in 2021.
Jack has won titles in three weight groups before. This week, he posted a training video hinting at news about his next fight. He wanted to face another champion, Jai Opetaia, but he must deal with Rozicki first.
"I waited more than a year to fight again," Jack said last month. "Politics kept me away, but I stayed ready in the gym."
Rozicki's team feels good about beating Jack. "We honor Jack, but he passed 40 and hasn't fought much lately," Otter said. "He knows boxing well, but he faces a young, strong fighter. Jack might not last long in the ring."
The match must happen within 60 days of their agreement. Fans are waiting to see if the older champion can hold off the rising Canadian star.
