Neeraj Goyat out of fight with Amir Khan so Billy Dib steps in
'King' Khan vs Billy 'The Kid' confirmed
Despite complications with the injury of Neeraj Goyat (11-3-2), on July 12 in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, there will still be a night of historic boxing starring former world champion, Amir Khan (33-5).
Originally, the 32-year-old Briton was facing 27-year-old ndian Neeraj 'Gangster' Goyat for the prize of the WBC Pearl belt, but due to unfortunate events where he was involved in a car collision after returning home from training recently, he was forced to withdraw from the bout. So Australian Billy Dib (45-5) has stepped in last minute to be Amir’s new opponent.
The World Boxing Council had prepared a special belt to recognize the winner of this fight not only because this is being treated as a historical contest for the area, but also as a symbol of peace to recognise the efforts of Amir Khan, representing Great Britain and Pakistan, and Neeraj Goyat, representing India, with the aim to boost sports and social development in the region.
Considering the occasion, the proven quality and extensive experience of both new contenders, the WBC have now approved Khan vs Dib for the vacant International welterweight belt. The exclusive pearl belt will be reserved for another special occasion in the future.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán took the opportunity to wish Neeraj Goyat a speedy recovery.
Billy Dib at a glance:
His parents emigrated from Lebanon to Australia before he was born in Sydney on Agust 17, 1985
As an amateur, Dib won 98 from 133 bouts, winning the Australian national title three times
He was born and raised in Sydney and is now 33-years-old with 50 professional contests under his belt
He held the IBF World featherweight title between 2011-2013
He has won 10 professional titles during his 15-year career
He recently lost a decision to Tevin Farmer for his IBF World super-featherweight title
He has suffered from chronic asthma since birth, spending the first six months of his life in an incubator fighting the condition
He took up boxing at the age of 12 to try to overcome the condition and has now fought in over 300 professional rounds