Healthy former world champion Billy Dib

Former world champion Billy “The Kid” Dib, (48-6, 27 KO’s), doesn’t currently hold a world title but is without question an undisputed champion.

In a recent visit to the IBF conference in Chicago, Illinois, Dib was looking happy and healthy with a smile bigger than Michigan Avenue. And for good reason - he recently pulled off a KO win in the biggest fight of his life. 

Dib came through a serious cancer diagnosis, and the follow-up treatment of radiation and chemotherapy, that had the married father unsure as to what his future might look like. A few months back, Dib, who shared his cancer journey on social media, was given a clean bill of health. Today, he continues to show the bravery, gratitude, and love for life that he displayed during his most trying of times.

Sadly, Dib is all too familiar with cancer, having lost his first wife to the deadly disease.  

What was remarkable during his whole health ordeal was that all he seemed to focus on was an attitude of gratitude for his family, his faith, and his medical team that were all on the journey with him. Dib displayed the character and fortitude of a true champion at a time in his life when he would have been forgiven for being consumed with fear, sadness, and uncertainty. But, Dib is a father and husband and he knew he had to show his family and friends the same strength and bravery he routinely displayed in 54 ring appearances.

Sydney, Australia’s Dib turned pro in 2004 and by 2008 was a red hot 21-0 and starting to turn heads in the 126-pound division. Over the next 14 years, until he stopped boxing in 2022, Dib would stuff his trophy case with titles including the Australian super featherweight, IBO Asia Pacific super featherweight, IBO world super featherweight, IBF Pan Pacific featherweight, Pan Asian Boxing Association Super featherweight, IBF Australian super featherweight, WBC international welterweight, and the IBF International and WBO Oriental lightweight titles.

However, his greatest ring victory, among his many title belts, came in 2011 when he captured the IBF world featherweight title at home in Australia when he beat champion Jorge Lacierva by UD 12. He would then go on to make 2 defenses of the belt.

In an outstanding career, along with winning the IBF belt, Dib would contest for a world title on 4 other occasions.

Maxboxing recently caught up with long-time Dib associate Sean Gibbons, who was all smiles after getting to spend time in the “Windy City” with his client Dib.

“Chicago was great”, said Gibbons. “The best part was getting to spend time with my dear friend Marty Jakubowski at Knuckleheads Gym in Chicago and seeing my champion Billy Dib. I mean, not that long ago Billy wasn’t sure about his future”, he said. “He had a very serious diagnosis that he was dealing with, but he is brave man of strong faith, and he came out the other side - 100%”, he said. “What an example of how to conduct yourself in the hardest time of your life”, continued Gibbons. “It seems we live in a world of victims. Not Billy, he just stayed strong, focused on his faith and family, and fought like a champion. He looks great, he feels great, and he has a clean bill of health”.

Asked if Dib, who in his last ring appearance KO’d undefeated Jason Ng in 6 rounds, might have 1 more fight in him, Gibbons was quick to respond. 

“You know what, he is in great shape and feeling great. He deserves a final send off at home and we are looking at that. He was a champion in the ring his entire career and we have seen what a brave and selfless warrior he is out of the ring. He deserves a great final send-off from boxing; he has more than earned that. A great fighter and an even better man”, Said Gibbons. “Viva Billy”.   

Former world champion Billy Dib by the numbers.

18 years. 54 fights. 48 wins. 27 K0’s. 9 titles won. 1 world title. 2 world title defenses. 19 total title fights. 8 world title fights. 

An outstanding career and a true champion - in and out of the ring.