BILLY DIB: “TMT IS GOING TO RESHAPE THE SPORT OF BOXING…ANYTHING 50 TOUCHES TURNS TO GOLD”

“I truly believe that TMT is going to reshape the sport of boxing. It’s going to be exciting. Think about the crossover crowds we are going to get. UFC better look out! TMT is coming…It’s a given the big fights will definitely be made. It seems anything 50 touches turns to gold…I just wanna be involved in the big fights that bring excitement to the fans. I’m happy to face any of the other belt holders. Unifying the titles definitely excites me,” stated IBF featherweight champion Billy Dib, who talked about his recent signing with TMT Promotions, his future plans and much more. Check it out!

SS: Firstly, congratulations on signing with TMT promotions. What impressed you most during the negotiation stage?

BD: Thank you very much. For me, it was refreshing to see that 50 had a plan to market me to the world. He has a vision and that vision was enough for me to sign on.

SS: When was you first contacted about the possibility of signing with TMT?

BD: I was on a holiday in Dubai with Prince Naseem Hamed when I received a phone from my brother notifying me about the good news. This was less than 10 days ago.

SS: You have not fought outside of Australia since 2008. Signing with TMT, do you expect a lot of change in terms of relocation of training camp, and are you expecting to fight over in the US a bit more?

BD: I believe that from here on in, moving forward, most of my fights will take place in the United States. I will definitely make good use of the great sparring that I can get in the States.

SS: The combination of Floyd and 50 seems to be a great partnership to me. Do you think we could see a whole new style of boxing promotion with 50′s experience in the music business ?

BD: I truly believe that TMT is going to reshape the sport of boxing. It’s going to be exciting. Think about the crossover crowds we are going to get. UFC better look out! TMT is coming!

SS: 50 spoke to Ben Thompson at FightHype and said that he rarely fails. That must be big motivation for yourself, but some media outlets are questioning the possible matchmaking. How confident are you that you will be given the best opportunities out there?

BD: I am very comfortable with the team around me, and as you know, I am the IBF featherweight champion of the world. It’s a given the big fights will definitely be made. It seems anything 50 touches turns to gold.

SS: We have seen you work at different weights so far in you career, as high as 136. is featherweight where you are looking to stay in the immediate future or are you looking to Unify and move up?

BD: I’m am still comfortably holding the 126-pound limit. There are some exciting fights to still be made in the division, but in saying that, if an opportunity to move up and face another champion presents itself, I’m more than happy to do just that.

SS: I was very impressed with your performance in your victory over Escobedo, and you’ve shown your toughness in overcoming cuts in your last bout. With Salido and John in possession of titles as well, Who is on your radar for your next bout?

BD: I just wanna be involved in the big fights that bring excitement to the fans. I’m happy to face any of the other belt holders. Unifying the titles definitely excites me.

SS: With Celestino and Yuriorkis Gamboa in your division, the possibility of signing a fight with those guys must be very appealing with you all being TMT fighters?

BD: These fights may all be possibilities in the future, as 50 told me these fights must make sense financially in order to materialize, but just to think at some point I will be involved in these mega-fights brings me a lot of joy.

SS: You are definitely doing a good job at flying the Australian flag, along with Daniel Geale and Anthony Mundine. What is the state of boxing in Australia? Is it a big thing?

BD: Boxing in Australia is pretty steady, considering we are on the other side of the world. We have had many champions over the past 10 years. I believe the future looks bright for the sport in Austrailia.

SS: Who was your hero growing up in the sport and who has inspired you most in the sport?

BD: My boxing hero without a doubt is Prince Naseem Hamed. He and I both share a very close friendship. He is like a brother to me. Since meeting him back in 2004, we have been extremely close.

SS: Before I finish, I assume you have been watching the Olympics. What do you make of Australia’s performances and is there anybody in boxing that has caught your eye?

BD: I’m really proud of how they have all been performing considering that the judging has be disgusting. Look out for Damian Hooper. He will definitely win a medal in the light heavyweight division. I really want to thank all boxing fans. The sport is nothing without you all. Get ready because TMT Promotions is getting ready to re-mold the sport of boxing. If you would like to follow my day to day journey, look me up on Twitter, @TheRealBillyDib. Thank you all and god bless.