Cruiserweight contender Ryan Rozicki will return to action when he faces Akani Phuzi in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on Oct. 25.

Rozicki, rated at No. 4 by The Ring at cruiserweight, had been due to face Badou Jack for the WBC title, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, when he tore a biceps in April and was forced out of that fight. He has since had surgery and is ready to resume training.

"I was sparring for my fight with Jack, I threw a right to the body and my tendon snapped," said Rozicki (20-1-1, 19 KOs). "I certainly wasn't expecting that, but I knew it when I heard it pop. I didn't see it [damaged biceps] until I looked down and saw my biceps pulled up to my shoulder.

"At first, I was distraught, but after some time I believed everything happens for a reason and that will show in the near future. There have been some difficult moments. I just went back to the gym for the first time since it happened. I just keep thinking about the future and what's coming.

"After this layoff, I just want to get back in the ring, win this [WBC regional] belt in October and then, of course, fight for the world title."

Ultimately, Jack fought Noel Mikaelian and edged home by 12-round majority decision. The controversial nature of the fight lead to the WBC ordering a rematch.

"While this may not be the title fight we originally had in mind at the start of the year, it’s the perfect comeback bout for Rozicki following his injury," said Daniel Otter, the managing director of Three Lions Promotions. "His opponent is no slouch, and this will be a real test that fans won't want to miss."

Rozicki reeled off 13 consecutive wins all inside the distance. He faced the much larger Oscar Rivas but dropped a hard-fought 12-round unanimous decision.

The 30-year-old power-puncher returned to cruiserweight, but appeared lucky against tricky Argentine Yamil Peralta (SD 12). He blew out former title challenger Olanrewaju Durodola (TKO 1) but was held to a controversial draw by Peralta (D 12) in their rematch.

Phuzi (14-3, 6 KOs) turned professional in 2017. He started off his career with 11 consecutive wins before losing twice to Johnny Muller (UD 10/ SD 10). However, he was able to turn the tables on his rival winning the third fight by 10-round unanimous decision.

The South African was dominated by Olympic silver medalist Muslim Gadzhimagomedov (UD 8) in October 2023. The 26-year-old returned with a win over a journeyman in May.

On the undercard, Canadian super middleweight titlist John Michael Bianco (9-1, 4 KOs) and middleweight Brett Beaton (6-3, 4 KOs) will see action against to be determined opponents.

Female fighters Meilyn Sanchez (3-0, 1 KO) and Silvia Duan (4-3, 3 KOs) will clash.