Former IBF featherweight champion Billy “The Kid” Dib (36-3, 21 KOs) returns Wednesday, July 2 to the scene of arguably the most disappointing night of his professional career for a 10-round co-feature bout against Alberto “Kichis” Garza (26-7-1, 21 KOs). Dib’s promoter, 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions, will present a special edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights at Grand Theater in Fox Tower at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
In 2013, Dib lost his International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight title belt at Foxwoods by way of a 12-round split decision (114-112, 112-114, 112-114) to undefeated Evgeny Gradovich. Dib also lost a rematch to Gradovich last November and the Australian has moved up one weight class to junior lightweight for his fight with Garza.
“I’m grateful for fighting again at a beautiful venue like Foxwoods,” Dib said.
“I have no demons (fighting there). I am blessed for what I already achieved and hungry to achieve more. I am also grateful for the opportunity ESPN and my promoter have given me. 50 creates opportunities. I have had all four of my fights shown on U.S. television and also shown live in my home country, Australia. 50 is a really smart guy that surrounds himself with really good people that help run his business. Some really fine examples of that is Monique Mayers, Angel Martinez and Sean Gibbons who make sure I’m always looked after. I am very grateful to them and the whole SMS team.”
Moving up in weight at the age of 28 is typical for fighters. “I have been making featherweight for the past 10 years and felt that I was losing some power due to slight struggles making weight,” Dib explained. “I feel stronger now and I am excited about attempting to win another world time in different division. That’s definitely my goal. I have done it before and know what it takes. I can’t put a time frame on it. I will be patient and work hard to achieve another world title, God willing.”
Garza is a 28-year-old Mexican boxer who lost his only world title shot to World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Nicholas Walters by fourth-round technical knockout in 2013. Garza has held the World Boxing Council (WBC) and Silver Continental Americas titles, as well as the IBF Latino championship during his 11-year pro career.
“I know Garza has the Mexican heart that you can never underestimate,” Dib added. “He is very experienced, fought and won titles, and is dangerous. But I will be ready!”
