Thirty-seven-year-old Sydney-born boxer Bilal Dib, more popularly Billy Dib, took up boxing at age twelve. He took up the sport primarily for two reasons – first, to reportedly address chronic asthma that had afflicted him from when he was born. Secondly, as a child of Lebanese immigrants, it helped him deal with bullying at school.
During his years as an amateur, he participated in a staggering one hundred and thirteen fights, out of which he won ninety-eight. But due to a road accident, he missed a chance at the Olympics by a whisker.
What a tough road it has been for Billy Dib
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Dib went through many trials and tribulations in his life. First, his wife, Sara, who was suffering from Cancer, left the world in 2015. Last year, in October, he shared the dreaded news through his Twitter handle. He messaged, “Cancer has picked the wrong opponent. I have [too] much to live for.”
Cancer has picked the wrong opponent. I have to much to live for. pic.twitter.com/ymuzFJh5vf
— Billy Dib (@BillyDib) October 24, 2022
Following the treatment, thankfully, a few weeks ago in February, he reached out to fans and followers and updated them that it was the last day of his chemotherapy.
When diagnosed with cancer on the 13th October of last year I made a decision to fight my ass of to be there for my family. Today is Officially my last day of chemo. Thank Allah ( GOD ) for time. #alhumdullila pic.twitter.com/Hz14w20q42
— Billy Dib (@BillyDib) February 11, 2023
Today, early morning, he shared the latest update that a recent scan confirmed that he is ‘clear of cancer.’ A short ten-second video shows his son carrying a poster, where it’s written, “Hi Guys, my dad is in remission AlhamdAllah (thanks to God).”
AlhamdAllah (thanks to God), I received the most beautiful news today. My scan came back clear of cancer. I am so grateful, blessed, happy and relieved. Thank you God, my health team, my family and all of you, for your prayers, encouragement and support to help me get here pic.twitter.com/u31vdd88AZ
— Billy Dib (@BillyDib) March 6, 2023
Soon a flurry of reactions from fans and celebrities followed.
The world joins in Billy Dib’s happiness
Beijing Olympics Light Heavyweight bronze medalist Tony Jeffries, who became a professional boxer and now Los Angeles-based boxing trainer, was among the first to wish Billy Dib. @Tony_Jeffries called it incredible and congratulated Dib.
Wow this is amazing ❤️ well done mate
Legend ❤️ 🥲
— Tony Jeffries OLY (@Tony_Jeffries) March 6, 2023
Boxing reporter and Only Fans model Michelle Joy Phelps also seemed very happy with the news. Dib’s announcement was simply fantastic to @MichellePhelps.
Amazing news!!!
— Michelle Joy Phelps (@MichellePhelps) March 6, 2023
Matchroom Sports Chairman Eddie Hearn also joined others in congratulating Dib. @EddieHearn called it the “greatest news.”
That is the greatest news Billy! ❤️
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) March 6, 2023
When he learned about the news, eminent award-winning boxing writer Dan Rafael took to his Twitter handle @DanRafael1 and told Dib that, hopefully, life would start getting better for him.
I am thrilled for you. Wish you nothing but the best.
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) March 6, 2023
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Billy Dib’s elder brother, Jihad Dib, a teacher and a politician in Australia thanked God for his blessings. He told his boxer brother how much he loved him and that he couldn’t have been more proud, given how much his younger brother went through and sacrificed.
AlhamdAllah for everything. So proud of you @BillyDib – you have given everything asked. Luv ya lil bro
— Jihad Dib MP (@jihaddibmp) March 6, 2023
Finally, Glasgow Commonwealth Flyweight gold medalist and WBO International Super Flyweight title holder Andrew Moloney congratulated Billy Dib for his recovery.
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Amazing news Billy! Congratulations!!
— Andrew Moloney (@AndrewMoloney) March 6, 2023
On the professional front, interestingly, based on advice from legendary boxer Prince Naseem Hamed, Dib reportedly turned professional in 2004. By the December of that year, he won his first title, Australian Super Featherweight. He won his first international title, IBO Super Featherweight, four years later. In July 2011, he won the vacant IBF Super Featherweight against Jorge Lacierva and retained it till 2013. His last bout was against Jacob Ng on March 19 last year.
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What is your take on this Dib’s happy news? Do share your views and opinions in the comments below.
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