Evgeny Gradovich vs. Billy Dib: Winner, Round-by-Round Highlights and Recap

IBF featherweight champion Evgeny Gradovich (18-0, 9 KO) again proved he was better than Billy Dib. The 27-year-old Russian stopped Dib in the ninth round of their bout on Saturday night in Macao, China. It was the second time he’s beaten Dib this year. In March, Gradovich was a late replacement for Luis Franco when he dethroned Dib in Mashantucket, Conn.

This time he was the defending champion, and he fought like one. After the first few rounds were a bit close, Gradovich took control in the middle frames. He floored Dib in the sixth, and the challenger’s corner threw in the towel in the ninth. The first fight ended in a split decision, but Gradovich seemed determined for his fist to be the judges on Saturday.

Here’s a breakdown of the fight round-by-round.

Round 1

Gradovich’s pressure in the first round helped him take control much like he did in their first meeting. He just doesn’t have a reverse gear. Gradovich just comes forward and makes you fight him in a phone booth. The brawling style helped get him a win for the round on my scorecard and wear Dib down. overall.

Round 2

Dib’s best strategy was to box and create space. Obviously against a guy like Gradovich, that is easier said than done. Dib appeared to establish himself well in this round, and he earned the advantage. Still it appeared it would be hard for him to maintain the pace.

Round 3

This round was so sloppy it was almost impossible to give either man the edge. No one really landed enough hard pushes to gain an edge. There was so much wrestling that the term ring generalmanship simply never applied. 

Round 4

With more pressure, Gradovich was again able to bully his way into an advantage in the fourth round. He began to seize control of the fight in this round. Hard body shots and whacking right hands were moving Dib from post to post.

Round 5

Just when it looked like Dib was ready to give in, he came back with a solid effort in the fifth round. He was able to create more space to work and use his jab to do better work. Lateral movement was the key, but Gradovich forces his opponents to work very hard to keep him away. As it turns out, this was Dib’s last stand.

Round 6

The up-and-down nature of the fight was gone for good in this round. Gradovich scored a knockdown on a right hand to the neck and chin. Dib wasn’t hurt as much as he was tired, but fatigue would be just as detrimental to Dib’s chances of winning.

Round 7

Dib’s decline continued in this round. Gradovich’s conditioning and constant pursuit had worn him down. It was just a matter of time before the end was coming. Heart and resolve can carry a man only so far.

Round 8

Dib took a titanic left hook from Gradovich in this round. Remarkably, he stayed on his feet. Dib wanted this rematch as it represented a chance for him to redeem himself and regain his title. Unfortunately for him, he found this fight was even tougher than the first.

It was clear that either the referee or Dib’s corner was going to have to end this fight. The challenger had more heart than brains on this night.

Round 9

Mercifully, Dib’s corner threw in the towel. He was being beaten up and broken and no longer had a realistic chance to win. This was the type of bout that can change a fighter’s career. 

We’ll see what Dib has left after this, but he was physically and emotionally spent when the fight was called to an end.

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