Former world champion Billy Dib is facing a much more serious battle outside of boxing.
In October, Dib had a cancerous tumor surgically removed, and now, the findings from the procedure have been revealed, as the 37-year-old Australian has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma cancer, Dib revealed on his Instagram page.
The Mayo Clinic describes Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma as “a type of cancer that begins in your lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s germ-fighting immune system. In non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, white blood cells called lymphocytes grow abnormally and can form growths (tumors) throughout the body.”
“My friends, I wanted to give you an update on my health. The results from the tumour removed from my colon two weeks ago are not what I was hoping for. I have been diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma cancer,” Dib wrote.
“I’ve had to dig deep many times in my life before and with the grace of Allah (God), have got through the many struggles before me in the past.
“Cancer will be the hardest opponent I’ve faced but I want you to know that I’m fighting harder than I ever have and God willing, I will defeat this awful disease.
“The plan is to start chemotherapy as soon as possible and while I know it’s going to be rough, I have to walk this journey as so many others do every single day with the support of their health professionals, family and friends.
“In the difficult times, I know I’m not alone. I have Allah (swt), my wife, son, family and all of you beside me. Your prayers, kind words and support all help me when I need inspiration.
“I know you will understand that I will be less active on social media to focus on this challenge ahead of me but please know that your messages of support do not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
“I promise to give this newest challenge everything I have, with my beautiful family, I have too much to live for to give any less than 100%.
“May Allah swt heal all sick people and give patience to those who suffer.
“Thank you to everyone who has sent flowers to me and my family; whilst it’s a beautiful gesture, I’d be really happy for you to donate that same amount of money spent on flowers, to a charity of your choice instead.
“Love from Billy.”
Dib (48-6, 27 KOs) last fought in March and scored a win via disqualification against Jacob Ng. In the bout, Dib suffered rib injuries due to Ng’s illegal blow and wrestling-like slam.
Dib turned professional in 2004 and has primarily fought in Australia throughout his career. He’s faced the likes of Amir Khan, Tevin Farmer, Takashi Miura, and twice against Evgeny Gradovich.
He was the IBF featherweight champion from 2011 to 2013 and defended the title three times before losing the crown against Gradovich.
Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer and broadcast reporter. He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, via email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or on www.ManoukAkopyan.com.