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Dib plans on beating Escobedo convincingly

Photo: Peter McDermont
By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing
IBF featherweight champion Billy Dib told Fightnews.com that he has had excellent preparation for his world title defense against Eduardo Escobedo of Mexico at the Derwent Entertainment Center on March 7 in Hobart, Tasmania. Dib is making the second defense of the title since defeating the highly regarded Jorge Laciervia in July 2012. There have been meetings in the USA with Dib and Top Rank and if successful on March 7, the classy Aussie could be boxing on the Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy Bradley on June 9th.
“This is a great opportunity but first I must hold my title when I defend on March 7 against Escobedo,” said Dib. “He’s a legitimate contender who has worked his way up to the number one rating. This is his opportunity to come out here and win the world title but unfortunately it is not going to happen; it’s going to be a tough night in the office for Eduardo. Lacierva came to Australia with great reputation and I think Escobedo is in the same class. I plan on beating Escobedo in the same fashion I defeated Lacierva; very convincingly.
“My trainer Billy Hussein always has a good fight plan and we are doing good things in the gym. My sparring partners are Corey McConnell and Speedy Gonzalez and several of the up and coming guys from my gym. I would normally be boxing with Paul Fleming but he is a southpaw so I wont use him for this fight.
“I’m coming off a good win over Alberto Servedei of Italy who I stopped in round one. A fight is won in the preparation. You are only as good as you have prepared for each fight. Billy Hussein says ‘listen to me and this fight will finish in round one, otherwise it could be a long night.’ I was lucky enough to get him out of there in round one.
“My brother Emaid looks after me for each fight also and he has been looking after me since I was a kid. There is also Michael Karagiannis – who has been a blessing in my life also. These guys are the backbone on what Billy “the Kid” Dib does in the ring. They broker the deals and make sure I get the right fights.
“Promoter Bill Treacy and Gary Francisco have played a very important part in my life. They have promoted many of my fights. They have never knocked me back. Bill Treacy is an absolute gentleman.”
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Dib-Escobedo is promoted by Bill Treacy and Gary Shaw and televised on Main Event Pay-Per-View throughout Australia.
February 11th, 2012
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