Evgeny Gradovich will defend the IBF Featherweight title against the man he won it from in Billy Dib on November 23rd in Macao, China as part of the Manny Pacquiao – Brandon Rios card.
“Gradovich got rid of his mandatory in his last fight, he’s exciting to watch and we felt it was important to live up to the commitment to Dib for a rematch since he gave Gradovich the opportunity,” said Top Rank’s Todd duBoef said. “It was an excellent fight on ESPN2, so why not put this one on the Pacquiao-Rios show and then the winner can look at bigger matches in 2014.
“I’m excited to return to Macau to fight on the Pacquiao versus Rios card and I know I will fight even better this time,” Gradovich said. “I had very little time to train before fighting Dib the first time. I think it was just 29 days before the fight when we got the call. This time I have much more time to focus and technically be better in my performance against Dib.
“I’m extremely excited that the rematch has been made,” Dib said. “Our first battle was a good one. I feel I have developed into a more fan friendly fighter. Gradovich is a good fighter and I expect another all-out war with him. I look forward to recapturing the IBF championship and setting up a trilogy with Gradovich.
“The fact that the fight is on such a big stage is so exciting. Finally I feel that I have the chance to show the world that I can mix it with the best of them. I truly believe in my heart I’m winning this championship back.”
