Former featherweight boxing world champion Billy Dib has started life as a super featherweight with a win in a rugged battle against Mexican Alberto Garza in Connecticut.
Dib, who lost his IBF title and subsequent rematch with Russian Evgeny Gradovich last year, scored a 10-round unanimous points win.
Garza, who unsuccessfully challenged for the WBA featherweight title last year, was deducted a point in the sixth round.
Two judges scored it 96-93 and their colleague 98-91 in the Australian's favour.
Dib (37-3, 21 KOs), was fighting as a super featherweight, though Garza (26-8-1, 21 KOs) came in just over the weight.
The Australian was cut in the opening round and American referee Shada Murdaugh was forced to work overtime.
He warned both fighters on a number of occasions for illegal tactics.
He lost patience in the sixth, penalising Garza a point for hitting after the break.
That came just a few seconds after he warned Dib he would deduct a point if he spat out his mouthguard again after doing it two or three times earlier.
Dib landed more punches and also the most eye-catching blows.
He connected with some good rights in the first half of the fight, and found the range with some solid left hooks in the closing rounds.
Garza landed occasionally and turned to southpaw at times, but couldn't match Dib's accuracy and output.
"I'm glad to be back in the winner's circle," Dib told AAP.
"Garza was a difficult opponent who looked to survive.
"I'm thankful to get the win and start my journey in the super featherweight division."
Share
