Home/Boxing

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

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.

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.

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).

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.

Boxing reporter and Only Fans model Michelle Joy Phelps also seemed very happy with the news. Dib’s announcement was simply fantastic to @MichellePhelps.

 

Matchroom Sports Chairman Eddie Hearn also joined others in congratulating Dib. @EddieHearn called it the “greatest news.”

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.

Read More: Amir Khan Opens Up on His Four-Minute Round Sparring- “I Am More Confident”

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.

Finally, Glasgow Commonwealth Flyweight gold medalist and WBO International Super Flyweight title holder Andrew Moloney congratulated Billy Dib for his recovery.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What is your take on this Dib’s happy news? Do share your views and opinions in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Boxing Schedule March 2023: Caleb Plant vs. David Benavidez, Gilberto Ramirez Comeback Fight Since Dmitry Bivol Loss, Lawrence Okolie’s Title Defense, and More