Ryan Rozicki has been forced to withdraw from his world title fight on the Canelo Alvarez vs William Scull undercard after a ‘freak accident’.
The Canadian cruiserweight was due to square off against Badou Jack for the Swede’s WBC title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 3.
Ed Mullholland / Queensberry PromotionsCanelo and Scull will duke it out for the undisputed super middleweight crown in May[/caption]
However, he has since pulled out of the fight after tearing his bicep in training.
“It is what it is,” Rozicki told BoxingScene. “The doctors called it a freak accident.
“My biceps tore, and now I’m sidelined for a few months.”
“We are absolutely gutted,” Three Lions Promotions’ Daniel Otter added.
“Rozicki has never looked better—he came prepared to win, and that title was meant to return home to Canada.
“That said, he’s in great spirits, and we know the comeback will be even stronger. He will be the WBC world champion—it’s only a matter of time.
“We did win the rights to the fight at purse bid, and we’re actively working to facilitate another opportunity. This is far from over.”
Organisers are now scrambling to find a replacement opponent for Jack.
The 41-year-old was reinstated as WBC cruiserweight champion last December after being made “champion in recess” in late 2023, following his decision to pursue a title at bridgerweight, which ultimately didn’t materialize.
He was then ordered to defend his green and gold strap against mandatory challenger Rozicki, while Noel Mikaelian, who had won the full world title in Jack’s absence, was made “champion in recess” after running into legal issues with his promoter, Don King.
His differences with King have since been resolved, and the Armenian has now thrown his hat in the ring to box Jack next.
Mikaelian was already preparing for a tune-up fight in May and is ready to take the world title opportunity with both hands.
“I’ve been the rightful WBC cruiserweight champion, and though I was placed in recess, I never stopped training, never stopped being ready,” Mikaelian told The Ring.
“Stepping in to face Badou Jack is not just an opportunity – it’s justice.
“I’m ready to come to Riyadh to prove once and for all who the real champion is.
“I want to thank in advance His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Riyadh Season, my promoter Don King, and the WBC for the opportunity.”
Instagram @noelmikaelianMikaelian has offered to step in for Rozicki[/caption]
King added: “Noel Mikaelian is ready, willing and able to step in for Rozicki and fight Jack for the title.
“We are in the process of negotiating a deal.”
