Five years ago Billy Dib was on the way to the top of the boxing world – he was signed by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and was training with the likes of Mike Tyson and Shane Mosley.
The young Sydneysider’s star was on the rise. He was undefeated and the IBO super featherweight champion. He was living the dream.
And then along came the experienced Californian southpaw Steve Luevano, and it all came crashing down.
They rumbled in October 2008, at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, and if Dib’s dream wasn’t dead in the water, it was certainly down for the count. In a nationally televised bout, Luevano secured a convincing unanimous points decision.
The older American punished the under-whelming Dib, who only won a round or two and landed just nine of his 143 jab attempts.
The backlash for the Aussie was harsh.
Not only did he lose his first fight, his IBO title and the chance to take Luevano’s WBO belt, he was also dumped by Golden Boy and backlisted by US TV networks. It was a devastating blow.
Dib returned to Australia with his tail between his legs. But to his credit he didn’t give up, didn’t sulk or throw in the towel.
Since 2008 Dib has gone back to the basics and worked his way back up the food chain. He has fought in tiny venues in front of small crowds with little attention, first getting back into the ring in Campbelltown in 2009.
Since that career-defining loss to Lueveno, Dib has notched 14 straight wins. He has linked with trainer Billy Hussein and claimed the vacant IBF featherweight title in 2011. He’s defended that belt successfully twice.
Dib’s last fight was in Campsie in July 2012 against Mexican Juan Antonio Rodriguez, where he scored a unanimous points decision.
Always technically strong and with good footwork, Dib has tried to introduce a more fan-friendly style. He wants to pair his great defence with more explosive power, adding style to the substance.
At 27 Dib is hardly ‘The Kid’ any longer. He has experienced the ups and downs of the cruel boxing world in his 37-fight career.
His fight against Evgeny Gradovich will be broadcast live this Saturday on ESPN2 at 1pm and the Australian boxing fraternity will be watching this bout.
Dib is one of only two Aussies, along with Daniel Geale, to hold one of the top four world titles in any classes. He deserves our respect and our support.
The Bankstown brawler has been waiting for another shot to impress the American market for five years. After numerous setbacks, he has it. This is it. If he doesn’t entertain, and win, he probably won’t get another chance.
A classy win over Gradovich could open doors and perhaps pave the way for a shot at the WBA super champion Chris John or WBO holder Miguel Angel Garcia.
It’s now or never. To unify the belt, just like Geale did at middleweight, would be a real highlight. Let’s see it happen.
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
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