Former two times world boxing champion Billy Dib has bid farewell to the sport he loves in the best possible fashion, retiring on his own terms after securing a unanimous decision victory over Germany’s Atilla Kayabasi in Hamburg on 8 December.
The 39 year old delivered a commanding performance, winning every round on the scorecards of all three judges to retire with the formidable record of 49 wins and just 7 losses from his 56 professional fights (including 27 victories by knockout).
Entering the ring to the tunes of Frank Sinatra’s timeless melody “My Way”, the song was a fitting background, given Billy Dib’s well-known – and definitely well-earned – reputation for courage, resilience, perseverance and determination.
Taking to Instagram following the win, Billy Dib said in part: “Alhamdulillah, I got the win and am walking away on my own terms.”
“I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to this chapter of my life….I did it my way and leave the ring with no regrets.”
The victory marks the end to a remarkable career which saw Billy Dib become a household name in Australian boxing.
Known for his technical skill and quick hands, highlights of Mr Dib’s 20 year career in the ring included capturing the IBF featherweight world title in 2011, three years after being crowned the IBO super featherweight world champion.
Two champions…..Billy Dib pictured with world renowned Islamic scholar Mufti Menk (feature photo and this photo: Billy Dib Instagram.)
The Muslim community would be well aware of the challenges that have marred Billy Dib’s life over the past decade.
In 2015, his first wife Sara passed away from leukaemia just six weeks into their marriage.
However, Billy eventually found love again, marrying Berry Kurdi in 2018.
But the proud husband and father’s challenges were far from over, with Billy being diagnosed with an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2022 and given just six months to live by medical experts.
Against the odds, he underwent the most severe, debilitating chemotherapy treatment.
And after a long battle, he eventually emerged free from cancer, incredibly returning to the ring two years and nine months after his previous fight and going out triumphantly in Hamburg.
But Billy Dib’s influence extends far beyond the boxing ring.
He is a devout Muslim and a proud ambassador for our community, using his fame in his tireless advocacy work for cancer research, underprivileged youth, disaster relief and many other worthy causes.
Billy Dib flanked by his father Ali and brother Jihad (Photo: Jihad Dib Facebook).
Of course, Billy is the brother of NSW Government Cabinet Minister Jihad Dib, who recently paid the following tribute to his younger sibling on social media – a fitting conclusion to this article:
“He’s my little brother and I’ve always been proud of him and all he’s achieved.”
“He’s faced more challenges than many, had the biggest highs and the biggest lows but has never lost his sense of purpose, faith – and a grateful smile….love you, Billy Dib!”
Comments