Boxing: Billy Dib wants showdown with Aussie rival Kye MacKenzie

Two-division world champion Billy Dib says he would happily move up another weight class after being called out by his Australian rival.

Billy Dib will return to the ring against Joey Baylon on Saturday night. Picture: Nigel Owen

An all-Australian grudge match between former world champion Billy Dib and Kye MacKenzie is looming in March.

Dib makes his return to the ring on Saturday night in Hurstville against rookie Joey Baylon, and a win will set up a fight against MacKenzie, who has been calling out the veteran for some time.

Their fight could feature on the undercard of Tim Tszyu’s bout against Dennis Hogan on March 31, and may even be for an interim world title at lightweight, giving Dib the chance to become champion in three different weight categories.

Billy Dib wants to win another world title. Picture: Tim Pascoe

“I’m nearing the end of my career, and that would be an amazing achievement, winning world titles in three different divisions would be a dream come true,” Dib said.

“Kye has been calling me out, we’ve had discussions with his management and they are 100 per cent behind the fight.

“It may even be for a world title at lightweight, we’re in discussions with sanctioning bodies on that. If it were and I can win, it would cap off a great career.

“I would never put myself in the same sentence as Jeff Fenech, but if I could emulate him and win world titles in three different weight classes and have that same achievement, it would be an absolute honour.”

Billy Dib will fight kickboxing champion Joey Baylon in Hurstville on Saturday night. Picture: Nigel Owen

Dib, 35, has previously held the IBF featherweight title and the IBO super-featherweight belt.

After defeat to British superstar Amir Khan in July 2019, Dib bounced back with a 10-round points win over previously unbeaten Van Thao Tran that December.

Dib (46-6, 26KO) takes on Muay Thai and kickboxing champion Baylon, who is making his professional boxing debut, at a catchweight of 60kg in preparation for the step up to lightweight (61.23kg limit, compared to the super-featherweight limit of 58.97kg).

Mackenzie (21-2, 17KO) is regarded as one of the hardest punchers in Australian boxing.

At just 28 years, he has a bright future in a division featuring another Australian rival, George Kambosis, who is set to fight WBA, IBF and WBO champion Teofimo Lopez this year.

Billy Dib wants to emulate Jeff Fenech’s feat of world titles in three weight divisions. Picture: Brett Costello

MacKenzie fell short in a title fight in 2015, when Jack Asis defeated him for the IBO super-featherweight title.

He then racked up a number of knockout wins before suffering a shock split decision loss to Francis Chua in 2018, a result he was able to avenge by defeating Chua the following year.

“Kye is a big puncher, he’s been as high as No.5 in the world, I really want the fight against him but I’m not overlooking Baylon,” Dib said.

“I give Baylon the utmost respect, he’s been a world champion in kickboxing twice, I’ve got to be on. I can’t get caught with anything silly.”

Originally published as Boxing: Billy Dib wants showdown with Aussie rival Kye MacKenzie