"I'm in a really positive place in my life. I have learned to leave the past behind me and look forward to the future. I'm only 29 years of age and I feel the best is yet to come from me. I have a good support base around me who believe in me. I have my eyes set on a big 2015...I have proven my mettle as an action-packed fighter. I have been showcased on major networks in my last four fights; three times on ESPN and once on HBO. I will now look to take fights to Dubai and back to Australia...The aim is to put myself back in the position of challenging for world titles, so the next 12 months for me is about becoming a world champion once again and I am willing to fight any of the top contenders or champions in the 130-pound division to make that a reality," stated former featherweight champion Billy Dib, who talked about his latest victory, his future plans, and much more. Check it out!
SS: The last 18 months or so have been up and down for you. Tell the fans how Billy Dib is doing now.
BD: I'm in a really positive place in my life. I have learned to leave the past behind me and look forward to the future. I'm only 29 years of age and I feel the best is yet to come from me. I have a good support base around me who believe in me. I have my eyes set on a big 2015.
SS: Last time out against Albert Garza, you put on a good showing in front of the U.S. fans. Coming back after a tough loss, how difficult was it to put that stoppage defeat out of your mind?
BD: Mentally, I was prepared. I took some time out to reflect after the loss to Gradovich, and that is what I needed most. Winning against Garza was a great feeling. It was good to get back to my winning ways.
SS: You've proven the heart you have in those fights, but moving forward, what would you say you is the most important thing you learned from the Gradovich defeats?
BD: The most valuable lesson that I learned was to fight my fight. Although it is important to be fan-friendly in this day and age, the more important thing is to walk away with the W. I might have been better off boxing a bit more instead of trying to impress the fans.
SS: In the past, you spoke to me about wanting to prove to the U.S. audience what a tough and exciting fighter you can be. Do you think that those two fights helped you get over with the American fans?
BD: I have proven my mettle as an action-packed fighter. I have been showcased on major networks in my last four fights; three times on ESPN and once on HBO. I will now look to take fights to Dubai and back to Australia.
SS: It is always said, and I am a firm believer of this, that good fighters have to overcome adversity. Knowing that the past 18 months or so have been challenging for you, what advice has 50 Cent given to you to keep you motivated?
BD: 50 Cent has been very supportive after the losses and has told me that he is proud of my showings in those fights. He is still backing me to win another world title and I appreciate the faith he is showing in me.
SS: Some people question whether or not 50 Cent has had the impact on the sport of boxing that he had hoped to have. As one of his fighters, how do you think he's doing as a promoter?
BD: I think 50 has made a positive impact on the sport. He has brought a different flavor to the sport, but it is undoubtedly a work in progress. He tries his best to look after his fighters and has been successful in getting us TV dates. I am really excited to see where he will go, as I know he can potentially be one of the top line promoters in the sport within a very short period of time.
SS: How quickly are you hoping to get yourself back in the world title picture?
BD: The aim is to put myself back in the position of challenging for world titles, so the next 12 months for me is about becoming a world champion once again and I am willing to fight any of the top contenders or champions in the 130-pound division to make that a reality.
SS: Is the mandatory route a path you are considering?
BD: Most definitely. As I said earlier, the plan is to put myself in the best possible position to regain my status as world champion.
SS: Now that you have proven that you can take part in exciting fights, is there anything in particular with your style and approach that you may want to tweak?
BD: Throughout my career, I have prided myself on improving as a fighter each and every day that I am in the gym. I have added dimensions and styles to my boxing and I am aiming to mesh the styles to make myself a more complete fighter.
SS: Any plans to move back down to featherweight or is the move to super featherweight permanent now?
BD: My last fight was at 130 pounds and I plan on making that a permanent move. I have been fighting in the Featherweight division for a long time and feel like the time is right to make the jump up to the Super Featherweight division.
SS: As of late, Australian boxers haven't been doing very well in terms of fight results. Geale and Mundine were two of the higher profile fighters suffering defeats. Lucas Browne, on the other hand, is doing okay for himself in the heavyweight division. Waht are you thoughts on the state of Australian boxing?
BD: To be fair, Australian boxers have been taking up some of the most challenging fights out there. I really think that Australia has done itself proud in boxing considering the population is so small.
SS: Are there any prospects coming out of Australia that we should keep an eye out for?
BD: Australia continues to produce outstanding talent, some of whom I believe can really make a mark on the world boxing scene. There are too many names to mention, but I'm sure you will be hearing about some of them sooner rather than later.
SS: Before we finish Billy, when can we expect you to return to action?
BD: It is looking likely that I will be returning to the ring on November 15 in Dubai.
SS. Are there any opponents you're in talks with about that fight?
BD: My team is working on finding me an opponent, but there is nothing set in stone just yet.
SS: Anything you want to say to your fans before you finish?
BD: I just want to thank them all for their continuous support over the years. The best of me is yet to come. Also, I would like to thank the team at SMS Promotions: Monique Myers, Angel Martinez, and Sean Gibbons. The team is working tirelessly alongside my brother and manager Emaid to secure me some big fights.