johnmichael-bricSteven Luevano Tames Undefeated Billy Dib
October 20th 2008 04:02
WBO featherweight champion Steven Luevano (36-1-1, 15 KOs) retained his title with a relatively uneventful unanimous decision over previously unbeaten challenger Billy Dib (21-1, 11 KOs). Scores were 116-112, 115-113, 117-111.
Billy Dib declared he would come back "a much better boxer" and was unperturbed by his unanimous points loss to Luevano in their bout in New Jersey.
Luevano, who was making the fourth defence of the title, proved a cagey and elusive opponent in the gambling centre of Atlantic City.
The 27-year-old Californian was content to counterpunch for much of the bout and tried to make Dib pay every time the Australian missed.
The challenger did occasionally catch Luevano, but was unable to mount sustained pressure.
Dib, who won the less highly-regarded IBO super featherweight world title in his last bout, had no qualms about the decision.
"He was the better man on the night, I lost fair and square and I will return," Dib said from Atlantic City.
"It was a strategic fight, he just never seemed to want to fight, he didn't look like he wanted press the fight.
"I'm not at all perturbed by this, I still think I'm going to be a good fighter and in time I will blossom into a good boxer."
Dib, who is affiliated with Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, will not fight again until next year.
"Twenty-three years of age and to be fighting in back-to-back world title fights and to come that close to winning this fight, I feel this is the beginning of the road," Dib said.
"He beat me today and he was the better man, but he is not a better fighter than me, he was just better on the day.
"I will definitely bounce back a much better boxer, I'm going to learn from this."
Dib said Luevano had stated during the post-fight press conference that the Australian was a tough fighter whom he respected and had hit him with some good shots.
His record dipped to 21-1 (11 KOs) while Luevano improved his log to 36-1-1 (15 KOs).
The challenger tried hard to back the American up with his jab and follow up, while Luevano appeared to wobble an off-balanced Dib on a couple of occasions.
Both men landed on the canvas but on each occasion it was ruled a slip rather than a knockdown.
Experienced American referee Steve Smoger warned Dib to "keep it clean" after the fifth round after taking exception to some of the Australian's tactics.
Billy Dib declared he would come back "a much better boxer" and was unperturbed by his unanimous points loss to Luevano in their bout in New Jersey.
Luevano, who was making the fourth defence of the title, proved a cagey and elusive opponent in the gambling centre of Atlantic City.
The 27-year-old Californian was content to counterpunch for much of the bout and tried to make Dib pay every time the Australian missed.
The challenger did occasionally catch Luevano, but was unable to mount sustained pressure.
Dib, who won the less highly-regarded IBO super featherweight world title in his last bout, had no qualms about the decision.
"He was the better man on the night, I lost fair and square and I will return," Dib said from Atlantic City.
"It was a strategic fight, he just never seemed to want to fight, he didn't look like he wanted press the fight.
"I'm not at all perturbed by this, I still think I'm going to be a good fighter and in time I will blossom into a good boxer."
Dib, who is affiliated with Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, will not fight again until next year.
"Twenty-three years of age and to be fighting in back-to-back world title fights and to come that close to winning this fight, I feel this is the beginning of the road," Dib said.
"He beat me today and he was the better man, but he is not a better fighter than me, he was just better on the day.
"I will definitely bounce back a much better boxer, I'm going to learn from this."
Dib said Luevano had stated during the post-fight press conference that the Australian was a tough fighter whom he respected and had hit him with some good shots.
His record dipped to 21-1 (11 KOs) while Luevano improved his log to 36-1-1 (15 KOs).
The challenger tried hard to back the American up with his jab and follow up, while Luevano appeared to wobble an off-balanced Dib on a couple of occasions.
Both men landed on the canvas but on each occasion it was ruled a slip rather than a knockdown.
Experienced American referee Steve Smoger warned Dib to "keep it clean" after the fifth round after taking exception to some of the Australian's tactics.
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