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Australian IBF featherweight world champion Billy Dib is in great shape for his bitter showdown with Eduardo Escobedo but is not predicting a knockout.
Dib will defend his world title against the talented Mexican on the same card as the Daniel Geale-Osumanu Adama bout on Wednesday in Hobart.
Speaking to The Roar last week, Dib said he “feels great” ahead of the fight.
“I’ve worked extremely hard,” he said. “It’s been a really good preparation. I feel like I’m heading into my prime.”
Dib has been sparring with undefeated Australian featherweight Joel Brunker and super featherweight Corey McConnell, along with some US boxers. He said he has completed nearly 120 rounds of sparring.
“I’ve been in with some great fighters,” Dib said.
Despite other media reports claiming that Dib was predicting a knockout against Escobedo, the 26-year-old said this wasn’t the case.
“I never predict these things,” he said. “I’m in great shape. If the opportunity is there [to knock him out], that’ what I’ll do.”
Dib said he respected Escobedo but believes the Mexican faces “an uphill battle”.
“Escobedo is a good fighter,” he said. “He’s earned his position as the number one contender. With home advantage, the cards have been dealt better for me than him. Having Billy Hussein and Hussein Hussein in my corner is a major plus for me. He won’t be able to handle what’s in front of him.”
The Dib-Escobedo clash could be fiercer than expected following a story in The Daily Telegraph where Escobedo called Dib a “little pussy”.
Dib captured the IBF title in July last year after defeating Jorge Lacierva at Homebush. He successfully defended it in November with a first round knockout of Alberto Servidei.
Dib said he is not looking ahead of the Escobedo fight but aims to head back to the US in the future.
“I want to continue winning, and win in impressive fashion,” he said.
Dib had been tipped to fight Indonesia’s WBA super champion Chris John, but that looks to have fallen through. In January it was revealed that fellow Aussie featherweight Joel Brunker’s March 31 clash with John had been cancelled.
Dib described John’s camp as “a bunch of jokers”.
“They’re unrealistic,” he said. “John thinks he’s god’s gift.”
Possible opponents for Dib could include WBO featherweight champ Orlando Salido and WBC title holders Jhonny González and Elio Rojas.
“I’m happy to fight anybody, if the numbers are right,” Dib said.
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