THE innuendo surrounding Billy Dib’s US fight is over with unbeaten Russian Evgeny Gradovich the new challenger to Dib’s IBF featherweight title in the US on March 1.
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The heavy-handed Gradovich replaces would-be opponent Luis Franco, whose shock withdrawal sent Dib’s camp into a spin just days ago.
‘‘It’s worked out quite well,’’ said Dib’s brother and manager Emaid.
‘‘It’s definitely going to be a lot tougher fight. He doesn’t take a step back but if you look at the fight stats, Billy should win. He definitely has the more experience.’’
Dib’s promoter, US rapper 50 Cent, has handed Gradovich, the No.11-ranked featherweight, a shot at Dib’s title which will headline ESPN’s Friday night fight card.
Gradovich, 26, is undefeated from his 15 fights with eight knockout wins. He is trained by two-time The Ring Magazine trainer of the year, Robert Garcia.
‘‘It’s a totally different game plan than the Franco fight,’’ Emaid said. ‘‘That’s part of the frustration. Billy had been working on a solid game plan but he has had to readjust.
‘‘Emotionally, it’s hard not knowing if you’re on or off but we’ve told Billy to stay focused and keep training.’’
Fellow St George resident Sakio Bika will face undefeated Nikola Sjekloca in a WBC super middleweight eliminator in the US on Saturday.
A win will hand Bika a rematch against Andre Ward, who beat Bika by a unanimous decision in 2010. Bika is searching for his second world title.