BILLY DIB: “I WOULD BE HAPPY TO ACCOMMODATE DONAIRE IF HE MOVES UP”

WBO and IBF world super bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire (29-1) is preparing for his October 13  bout with Toshiaki Nishioka, which could see the 29-year-old Filipino capture the vacant WBC diamond belt to add to his collection. Recently Donaire has made comments about his desire to move up to the Featherweight division after he defeats Nishioka. The returning Yuriorkis Gamboa is scheduled to compete at super featherweight in November for the IBF crown on TMT Promotion’s first card, but another TMT Promotions fighter by the name of Billy Dib has taken note of the comments from “The Filipino Flash”. With a record of 35 wins from 37 fights with just the 1 defeat and 1 no contest, plus an impressive 9 knockouts from his previous 11 fights, the 27-year-old Australian is currently in possession of the IBF featherweight title and would without question be the most attractive option for Donaire if he indeed does decide to move up.

Donaire has received criticism as of late from boxing fans, who are of the belief that by moving up, he’s avoiding taking on other challengers, like Abner Mares or Guillermo Rigondeaux, after stating, “When you have three out of the four [titles], that’s undisputed to me. We have a lot of guys like Nishioka, who is a great fighter; we have [Abner] Mares, Rigondeaux, maybe. We definitely have Nishioka. One more belt and I’m good to go to 126.” Defeating Nishioka will add that third title to his collection, so it is highly likely that he will bypass Rigondeaux and Mares in order to move up.

It is doubtful that Donaire will ever step in the ring with Yuriorkis Gamboa after what happened previously with their negotiations, but Donaire would certainly prove those doubters wrong if he was to step up to featherweight and take on what would be his toughest challenge in Billy Dib.  With Billy being one of the first talents signed by the newly formed TMT Promotions, it is evident that they see big opportunities ahead for him and a fight with the highly-regarded Filipino will definitely help Billy enhance his ever growing reputation in the US. Billy is already a huge attraction in his native Australia, and the US, along with the rest of the world, have Billy’s crowd-pleasing style to look forward to as he looks to secure the big fights over in the US with TMT Promotions. Check out what Billy Dib had to say…

SS: Nonito Donaire has stated his claim to capture a third world title at Super Bantamweight and then move up to Featherweight. What are your thoughts on that?

BD: Nonito Donaire is a great fighter. In saying that, my team and I would be happy to accommodate Donaire if he was to move up to Featherweight.

SS: Donaire is taking on Nishioka on October 13. How do you see that fight going?

BD: I think that Nonito has the skill set and smarts to beat Nishioka in a tough bout.

SS: Despite winning a wide points decision last time out against Mathubela, Donaire was very critical of himself. Is there anything in Donaire that you think is really there to be exposed?

BD: Yes, definitely. No fighter is invincible. I think he lacks some of his spark at Super Bantamweight and it showed against Mathubela.

SS: Many are assuming and speculating that he is “ducking” the opportunity to take on Rigondeaux and Mares, and will possibly stay away from Salido. What do you make of that?

BD: I’m not too sure what to make of it, the fighters that you mentioned are all great boxers that would make for exciting fights, but I can’t really comment on Donaire “ducking” any of them. 

SS: With Donaire being promoted by Bob Arum and the history between Floyd and Arum, especially after the Gamboa situation, do you think it could harm a fight between yourself and Donaire?

BD: Not necessarily. I think that if the money was right, the fight could definitely be made, especially if Donaire is adamant about making the move up to Featherweight.

SS: You have spoken to me about wanting the best fights. What fighters have your team highlighted for your first TMT fight?

BD: TMT is looking at the best options for me to make my return to the United States, and I’m sure that they will get me an opponent who is going to help put on a great show. 

SS: TMT are set to put on their event in November with Gamboa and Dirrell topping the bill. Is there a possibility for yourself to be on that card?

BD: Yes, there is a possibility. The options are still being sorted at the moment and I’m sure that an announcement of my next fight will be made very soon. 

SS: I am assuming you will be in attendance at their first event. Have you had much contact with any of the other guys, and how is early life with TMT

BD: Yes, I have been in regular contact with both 50 Cent and Floyd. It is great to be signed with TMT and I’m super excited about the future under the TMT Promotional banner. 

SS: Two weeks ago, after Daniel Geale’s brilliant victory over Felix Sturm, I spoke briefly with you after the fight; incredible performance and a deserved win. What do you think or hope is next for Daniel? Maybe the winner of Chavez Jr. vs Martinez?

BD: It definitely was a great performance and one that, as an Australian and close friend of Daniels, I am very proud of. It is obvious that Daniel is chasing the best fighters in the Middleweight division and the winner of Chavez vs Martinez would be the next logical step for him. 

SS: With that fight in mind, who are you tipping to come out on top?

BD: It is a very tough one to call, but I think that Martinez will just edge him in a high-quality fight.

SS: Before you go, is there anything you wish to say to Nonito Donaire and your fans? 

BD: I just want to thank my fans for their ongoing support. I truly appreciate it. You can stay connected to me via Twitter on @therealbillydib or Facebook under Billy “The Kid” Dib.