Youssef Dib stands by low blow call as Liam Wilson reveals back fracture

Despite Youssef Dib backing his low blow call that left him feeling ‘gonads in my stomach,’ it’s been revealed that Liam Wilson was fighting through excruciating pain at their fight of the year contender.

Liam Wilson fought through excruciating pain during his win over Youssef Dib after fracturing his back a month ago.

Meanwhile, Dib is adamant Wilson intentionally threw a vicious low blow that left him feeling “my gonads in my stomach” in their contender for fight of the year in Brisbane on Saturday night.

This masthead can reveal Wilson was sometimes rolled out of the ring after sparring sessions.

Wilson put himself in the frame to fight for a super-featherweight world title later this year with a brutal 10-round unanimous decision victory, but it wasn’t without controversy.

Dib fought back from two early knockdowns in a bruising battle that left ringside officials spattered with blood from both fighters.

Dib stands by his low blow call. Picture: Scott Davis / Ace Boxing

But Wilson’s performance is even more remarkable considering the incredible pain the 28-year-old was in leading into the fight.

Wilson was diagnosed with a fractured L2 and L3 vertebrae in early February, and was forced to train with a back brace for the last month.

Known as Mr Damage, Wilson had four cortisone injections in his back just to get through camp.

“He didn’t want to say anything because he didn’t want to make any excuses either way,” said Wilson’s trainer, Ben Harrington.

“I was willing to pull him out, but Liam refused to pull out because so many people had bought tickets and he didn’t want to let his fans down.”

In a spiteful affair, Wilson shouted at Dib’s corner several times, and the pair needed to be separated at the end of rounds four, five and six.

Wilson has revealed the back injury he fought through to win against Dib. Picture: Scott Davis / Ace Boxing

It threatened to boil over in the ninth when Wilson unleashed a devastating left hook low blow, which left Dib crumpled over on the canvas.

As he recovered, Youssef’s older brother Billy had to be restrained at ringside after marching over to No Limit promoter Matt Rose.

He then had a security guard sit with him for the final round of the epic encounter.

Both Dib brothers are sure the low blow was a calculated tactic.

“It was full on deliberate, it really took the wind out of me,” ‘Uwee’ told this masthead. “I didn’t want to take that much time (to recover), but every time I went to get up, it was like I could feel my gonads in my stomach.

“He needed a break. I didn’t want to take that much time, but like I said, every time I tried to get up, it didn’t feel right in my stomach.

“He punches well to the body as well, so if your stomach’s not feeling right, it’s not a good thing.”

After an ugly build-up that dates back six years, Wilson and Dib hugged and relived the fight in the dressing rooms afterwards.

Wilson, with two stitches in his busted nose, denied the low blow was on purpose.

“That was an unfortunate mistake,” he told this masthead. “I didn’t mean to do that, it just got low and I apologise.”

Wilson shows the scars of battle. Picture: Scott Davis / Ace Boxing

Both fighters were left bloodied and bruised. Picture: Scott Davis / Ace Boxing

Wilson’s team has had preliminary talks about fighting WBC super-featherweight champion O’Shaquie Foster later in the year.

“I’m all for that,” Wilson said. “Third time lucky for a world title for me. I’m getting ready for that, so hopefully it’s on the cards.

“I’ll fight anybody, anywhere and he’s a current world champion, so I’d love the opportunity.”

Wilson has also been calling for a shot at Aussie rival George Kambosos for more than a year, and hasn’t given up hope of facing ‘Ferocious’ one day.

“I’d probably have to move up to super-lightweight, but I want a big fight for Australian boxing,” he said. “I’m sure Australia does as well.

“If we can get that fight happening, I’ll be more than happy to do it.”