Liam Wilson explodes at Youssef Dib, George Kambosos as fight card narrowly avoids 25-year disaster
The normally quiet Liam Wilson didn’t hold back on Thursday morning, unleashing an expletive-laden attack on Youssef Dib and George Kambosos.
Boxing/MMA
Don't miss out on the headlines from Boxing/MMA. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A fired up Liam Wilson has gone off at Youssef and Billy Dib, and taken a massive potshot at domestic rival George Kambosos, claiming the ticket sales for his Sydney homecoming in March are “going f***ing terribly”.
Meanwhile, promoter Ace Boxing narrowly avoided disaster after several boxers scheduled to fight on the undercard to Wilson and Dib’s rematch in Brisbane this Saturday had troubles clearing immigration to arrive in Australia.
Wilson and Dib exchanged fiery words when the pair met face-to-face at Thursday morning’s press conference ahead of their rematch on Saturday.
Tension between Wilson and the Dib family goes back nearly six years, but exploded moments after Wilson’s eighth round knockout win over Youssef in July last year.
As ‘Uwee’ laid on the canvas in Wollongong, Wilson traded fiery insults with his corner, including former world champion older brother Billy.
And the Queenslander was still fired up about it this week.
“It’s Billy that wants the rematch, but his poor brother is up here today,” Wilson said. “I feel sorry for you, I knock people out for fun.
“If you want to sit up here and put your hand up, I’ll knock you out on Saturday night. I’m a fighter, you’re a good bloke.
“I’m putting him and his brother in such an uncomfortable position on Saturday.”
At which point Dib interjected, saying: “Don’t worry about Billy, he’s not here. He’s living in your head.”
The usually reserved Wilson shot back: “Let me f***in’ talk! I’m ready, let’s go.”
A win on Saturday could propel Wilson back into world title contention, possibly in America, with a rematch against Emanuel Navarette a distinct possibility.
But the 28-year-old instead took aim at another domestic rival, George Kambsos Jr.
‘Ferocious’ is preparing to fight Daud Yordan at Qudos Bank Arena in March in his first fight in Sydney since 2016.
“Is that fight still going ahead?” Wilson asked of Kambosos’ homecoming. “I was told ticket sales were going very bad for that fight.
“I was told they were going f***in’ terribly. I’d be surprised if that fight goes ahead.
“I’ve been chasing that fight for a year now – since before the first fight with me and Youssef.
“If (Kambosos) wants to sell some tickets and sell out a venue, let’s get it done.”
While there were fireworks at the top of Saturday’s card, the undercard hasn’t escaped turmoil, with several fighters racing the clock to get to Brisbane in time for the fights.
Kazakh fighter Abilkhaiyr Shegaliyev finally boarded a plane on Wednesday night, while Nigerian cruiserweight Augustine Nnamdi will touch down in Brisbane early Friday morning.
Nnamdi, who fights the talented Floyd Masson, will frantically race from the airport to have his bloods and medical checked, before Friday morning’s weigh-ins.
Ace Boxing boss Ange di Carlo said he’s never experienced a drama like this in 25 years of promoting fights.
“They’ve had weeks to get biometrics – which we’ve never needed before – and after we got the biometrics, there was another hold up because we needed to get polio certificates,” di Carlo said.
“They’re just worried about anyone coming in with health problems and being a burden to the country.
“In 25 years I’ve never experienced this. Ever.
“We got the Kazakh cleared last night, and the Nigerian the night before.
“It’s a nightmare. It’s been a hard week, but it was all very well taken care of and we’re all on top of it.”
Shegaliyev fights Brisbane‘s Jack Bowen, who had no idea about the drama until Thursday morning.
“It hasn’t been too stressful for me, because I only found out 10 minutes ago,” Bowen said. “My team did a great job keeping it from me.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Liam Wilson explodes at Youssef Dib, George Kambosos as fight card narrowly avoids 25-year disaster
World-title shock as ‘Mr Damage’ eyes redemption
He has twice had his heart broken fighting for world titles. But Liam Wilson is set to clinch a third world-title shot if he beats Youssef Dib in their bitter re-match in Brisbane.
Boxer’s heartbreaking journey from rival’s death to new title fight
Days after winning his first WBF title boxer Adam Flood learned his opponent had died from his injuries. Now, the 22-year-old dad returns to the ring for the first time since the harrowing ordeal.