by Edward Chaykovsky
IBF featherweight champion Billy Dib (34-1, 21KOs) feels very confident about his chances in a possible fight with Puerto Rico's Juan Manuel Lopez (31-2, 28KOs), who was knocked out in two out of his last three fights. Lopez's promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, has mentioned a possible year-end bout between Lopez and Dib at New York's Madison Square Garden. Dib would love to receive the opportunity.
The Australian boxer wants to avenge the only loss of his career. He was decisioned by Steven Luevano in October 2008 and won his next 13 fights, with 11 by knockout. Luevano was later knocked out by Lopez and retired from boxing.
"I have got the magic to beat this guy. I think he has done his time. I have gone under the radar, fought for minimal purses in obscurity, and now it is my time to capitalize. This fight would also mean redemption for me. Lopez knocked out Steven Luevano, who is the only fighter to beat me, and after that loss people said I was never going to get a big fight in America again. People need to start believing the Billy Dib is backing it up. This is what I have been waiting for, I will accept the challenge with open arms.," Dib told The Telegraph.
