Billy Dib signs for Takashi Miura, WBC world title on May 1st

 
THERE are no shortcuts to any place worth going.

 
For former IBF featherweight champion Billy Dib, the opportunity to become a two-division titleholder on foreign soil has proven to be the perfect setting to cap off a truly remarkable comeback.

 
The WBC #7 rated Dib (39-3, 23 KOs) has signed to challenge reigning WBC super featherweight champion Takashi Miura (28-2-2, 21 KOs) on May 1st at the Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.

 
The Sydney-based Dib re-established himself as a contender in 2014 with back-to-back stoppage wins over Isaias Sampaio and Ruben Manakane, as well as a decision win over former world title challenger Alberto Garza.

 
For the best part of a fortnight, Dib’s name has been in discussions for a possible world title at super featherweight, but not with the WBC. Late last month the IBF ordered the camps of unbeaten IBF #1 rated Jose Pedraza and the IBF #5 Dib to come to terms for a potential fight by March 17th.

 
Given the enormity of a second world title, most assumed that Dib’s signature was a formality. However, Dib has chosen the more lucrative option of challenging Miura in his homeland.

 
The fight against Miura will be televised by Japanese network giant Fuji TV, giving the Australian the biggest possible platform in terms of exposure for his looming title challenge.

 
Miura, 30, is an entertaining all-action fighter who has made three successful title defences since dethroning Gamaliel Diaz in 2013. Miura has only gone the distance once in his title reign, which was an enthralling twelve round battle with Sergio Thompson in Mexico.

 
The Japanese livewire is riding an eight-fight win streak, looking relatively unchallenged since his stoppage loss to divisional leader and reigning WBA titleholder Takashi Uchiyama.

 
With the official card yet to be announced in total, the promoter Akihiko Honda of the iconic Teiken Promotions has only confirmed a further two fights, one featuring undefeated prospect Ryoto Murata as well as the return of former WBC light flyweight champion Akira Yaegashi.

 
If Dib is successful in dethroning Miura, he will capture a title that both the legendary Jeff Fenech and Lionel Rose unsuccessfully challenged for.

 
 
Photos: Getty Images/Sportinglife