Billy Dib: “I have proven in the past that I won’t shy away from a fight”

 
THE Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo will be the scene for a truly significant night for Australian boxing.

 
Former IBF featherweight champion Billy Dib will attempt to earn the coveted WBC super featherweight title when he challenges Takashi Miura on Friday night, live on free-to-air television via the Nine Network.

 
Miura, 30, is seen as the consensus number two super featherweight in the world and will go into the fight as a heavy favourite, riding an eight-fight win streak dating back to 2011.

 
This includes successful title defences against Edgar Puerta, Dante Jardon and Sergio Thompson as well as a title winning effort for the southpaw Miura (28-2-2, 21 KOs) against Gamaliel Diaz.

 
In spite of his underdog status, Dib (39-3, 23 KOs) is in high spirits ahead of his looming date with destiny. Dib cites his versatility and ability to adapt mid-fight as part of the reason why he is confident of dethroning Miura.

 
“It will definitely be my ring smarts,” said Dib in an interview with Aus-Boxing. “Although I can be very versatile if need be, I have proven in the past I won’t shy away from a fight,”

 
Speaking from his base in Tokyo, a humbled Dib has not been greeted with the hostile response expected from a fighter contesting a world title fight away from home and against an opponent who is seen in his homeland as a national treasure.

 
“I haven’t noticed much here in Japan just yet, the people here are so humble,” Dib explained. “Truly, the amount of respect shown by them is simply mind blowing, I’m truly humbled.”

 
Dib, 29, who is riding a three-fight win streak, has put faith in the game plan put together by his trainer Billy Hussein. Backed by his closely knit team, Dib speaks with the confidence of a fighter who has prepared diligently.

 
“The preparation for this fight has been fantastic, all this is only made possible through the grace of God,” Dib continued. “I feel that super featherweight is definitely the right weight for me and I’m feeling fantastic,”

 
“At this stage, Australia’s best trainer Billy Hussein is with me as is Neil Dunkley, my nutritionist and mind coach,” Dib added. “I also have my amazing friend Alf Di Carlo and a long time brother/friend from America Matt Hilliard,”

 
“The rest of my team are yet to arrive, which includes Brian my cutman, my brother and manager Emaid and of course my brother Muhummad the second in the corner,”

 
“I have a wonderful group of family and friends that are also coming,”

 
The Sydney-based Dib has fought all over the world, at some of the most iconic venues in the sport and alongside many marquee names. But Friday night stands alone as the most significant night in his storied career.

 
If Dib can upset the odds and dethrone Miura in a thrilling title fight on Australian boxing’s return to free-to-air television, lucrative opportunities will await.

 
“My mentality is my reality,” said Dib in closing. “I will be the new WBC super featherweight champion of the world come May 1st, God willing.”

 
 
Photo: Provided