Evgeny Gradovich vs. Billy Dib
Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank
Gabriel Rivas, Contributing Writer
The IBF Featherweight Champion Evgeny “The Mexican Russian” Gradovich fights in a rematch against the fighter he took the belt from, Billy Dib. In their bout earlier this year, Gradovich took the fight on short notice but was still able to land solid shots against a fighter with twice as many fights. This time a round, a better-prepared Gradovich will seek to cement his status as a Featherweight fighter. Gradovich, whose nickname denotes his style–a style more like Chavez Sr. than any Russian fighter today–will come forward with more intensity this time around. Dib has a great chin, but he will get pressured and outworked by Gradovich.
Prediction: Gradovich
Gabriel Polanco, Contributing Writer
Former Featherweight champion, Billy Dib, will be attempting to avenge his upset lost to Evgeny “The Mexican Russian” Gradovich and take back his IBF title. Gradovich took the first fight on a three week notice and slugged his way to a hard earned victory over Dib. With one defense of his title under his belt, Gradovich has had more than 3 weeks to prepare for Dib this time around, so expect an even worse beating of Dib by The Mexican Russian, ending before the final bell.
Prediction: Gradovich
Rob Anthony, Contributing Writer
Evegeny Gradovich vs. Billy Dib (who is a 50 Cent/SMS fighter) is a rematch of an upset that was broadcast on Friday Night Fights on ESPN earlier this year. I think Dib–who’s had several months to stew over this loss–will get his revenge and claim Evgeny’s Featherweight strap.
Prediction: Dib
Juan Carlos Burgos, Contributing Writer
In this rematch, Billy Dib will have to figure out a better way to get through Evgeny Gradovich’s high guard. Gradovich is not hard to find, but even so, his defense did give Dib problems at times in the first bout. Gradovich will come forward and apply pressure as he usually does. Look for Dib to stick and move and use his athleticism to keep Gradovich on the outside and not be forced into a brawl. Dib needs to turn this fight into a stinker, but I don’t think Gradovich will give him that chance. I look for the champ to impose his will and retain his title via decision.
Prediction: Gradovich
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Evgeny Gradovich vs. Billy Dib was an exciting ESPN Friday Night Fights matchup earlier this year in which Dib lost his IBF title. He’s been hungry to win his title back, but didn’t do much to show his skill level in his last bout against Mike Oliver—also on Friday Night Fight’s. I think Dib is going to run into a wall again against Gradovich, and although he may know what to expect, the “Mexican Russian” is just more relentless and skillful than the Aussie.
Prediction: Gradovich
