Billy Dib offers a rematch to Kenichi Yamaguchi

Billy Dib and Team BTK wish to respond to the media, supporters, boxing fans and the Australianpublic following his victory over Kenichi ‘MachineGun’ Yamaguchi of Japan for the WBO Asia-Pacific Featherweight Title bout on opening night of the ‘SuperBoxer’ series held at ‘The Big Top’, Luna Park, Sydney. Firstly, as a team, we thank everyone who has sent their wishes both pre, and following the bout and to the supporters who brought corporate packages and tickets to support Billy at the venue. Billy and Team BTK wish to express disappointment of the actions of those who trespassed into the ring post the bout. As a team we in no way, shape or form condone this form of behaviour..

Whilst we understand the highly charged atmosphere of the main event, both parties Dib and Yamaguchi, did not wish to see the behaviour of spectators following the bout. Billy Dib wishes to acknowledge his fellow combatant – Kenichi Yamaguchi and out of respect for him, is willing to re-match for the respective title.

BTK Management wish to today announce Billy’s willingness, offer and commitment to a potential re-match for Kenichi, and hopefully a new date can be finalised in the future. We at Team BTK again express our disappointment of those who trespassed into the ring, and emphasise, we do not, and will never condone ring intrusions by any individual. Billy Dib has proudly fought for Australia on 24 occasions as a professional in all parts of the world and over 100 times in a distinguished amateur career and would never wish for any slight on boxing as a sport, and a sport that has afforded him wonderful opportunities and life-long, cherished memories.

As a footnote, after the bout last week, both teams came together post-bout in the dressing rooms and talked (via an interpreter), acknowledging one another, posing for photos as a sign of respect for each other.

Billy Dib: “I am proud to have fought on Superboxer and I thank Kenichi for coming out to Australia for the contest. As a proud fighter, if he feels I didn’t win, out of respect, I want to give him that shot and wish for a re-match”.

“I have asked my management to make the bout happen, and to be fair, that means anywhere. I want the opportunity to validate that I am the better fighter and we can contest the bout properly”.

“Actions on both parties caused events to escalate and emotions were high. I want to make it clear that I never wanted, and never would want for ring intrusions and am disappointed at all concerned for entering the ring. SuperBoxer is something to be proud of for the Australian boxing fans, and inviting the Australian general public to see first-hand the talented boxers we have. I dearly want this fight to happen again for all to see what a great fight it would be between
Kenichi and I.”