We’re now just over a month away from the return of Cape Breton’s Canadian champion Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (9-0-0, 9KOs) against American standout Shawn Miller (18-4-1, 7KOs) of Troy, New York, at Centre 200 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on May 18.
Both men are now deeply submersed in their respective training camps, fine tuning their bodies for the battle ahead. It’s the calm before the storm and a wicked Nor’Easter is blowing into Sydney Harbour.
“The waiting is tough,” said Rozicki on Tuesday. “I’d fight everyday if I could. I live to test myself in the ring. It’s an adrenaline rush you can only understand by trying it yourself.
That being said, I need to keep polishing my skills in the gym. Miller has a ton of experience and I want to be as dominant as possible. I’m always grinding and learning. I don’t just want to beat Miller, I want to make it look easy. In the last five years, only Rachid Jkitou has stopped Miller, and that guy’s undefeated in 27 fights as a pro. Jkitou stoped him in three. I want to at least match that result.”
Miller is coming into hostile territory for the fight, but the globe-trotting American has plenty of experience fighting abroad. Between 2017 and 2018, for example, Miller fought in the Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, and Morocco. “That’s all well and good,” said Rozicki.
“But he hasn’t fought in front of Cape Bretoners before. It’ll be something new for him. He’ll be fighting me and about 5,000 of the Island’s finest. They bring it for every sporting event here in Sydney. I’m not sure that’s something he can prepare for.”
Miller welcomes the challenge. “I really look forward to facing the best Ryan Rozicki,” explained Miller. “Training camp is going great. It will be a great, hard fight. I look forward to bringing him into the deep waters.”
Indeed, Miller boasts an edge in experience when it comes to the championship rounds, with four appearances that lasted ten rounds or more. Rozicki always makes short work of his opponents. The big Cape Bretoner has won each of his nine fights in three rounds or less.
“Ryan’s power can be both a blessing and a curse,” said Dan Otter of Three Lions Promotions. “He’s exciting, no doubt about that, but we’re trying to find a guy who can test Ryan over a more than a few rounds.
“Miller is a rugged veteran with lots of international experience. He’s a good step up for Ryan. I think they complement each other well. Styles make fights. It should be an entertaining night for all in attendance!”
Miller believes his style will make the difference against Rozicki. “I won’t knock anyone who Ryan has fought,” said Miller. “That’s not who I am and I can only worry about myself and what I’m doing. With that being said, I believe I offer a much different style and look than he has seen so far. I also know how important this fight is for me.”
“Miller is hungry for this,” said Otter. “This is a big opportunity. The NABA is affiliated with the WBA. A win and he’s right in the mix for the North American crown. Same goes for Ryan. Miller’s last loss was against Rachid Jkitou for the WBF world light heavyweight title back in 2017. He’ll be hungry to climb back up the international ladder with a win over Ryan. Like I said, it’ll be a good test.”
