By Adrian Warren
Billy Dib plans to use boxing smarts and patience as key weapons in his bid to regain the IBF featherweight title from Evgeny Gradovich in Macau, China on Sunday.
Their fight will be the main support to Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao's clash with Brandon Rios on a big card that will help boost Dib's international profile
Sydneysider Dib was marginally overweight at Saturday morning's weigh in, but came in right on the limit after removing some clothing, while Gradovich was just under at the first time of asking.
Gradovich (17-0, 8 KOs) took the title from Dib (36-2, 21 KOs), on a split points decision in Connecticut back in March.
Each man has fought once for a win since then, with the Dib camp subsequently invoking a rematch clause inserted in their contract for the first fight.
Driven to become the first Australian to regain a lost world title in the same year, Dib insisted he'd learnt from the mistakes he made in the earlier contest against the California-based Russian-born pressure fighter.
"We have a good game plan and I need to stick to it," Dib said.
"I need to fight smart and to be patient.
"I hope I can give the fans a great fight, and be a role model to young kids around the world."
"I was bullied as a kid and I want to inspire all people that are being bullied to stand up and be strong.
"I hope a big victory on Sunday morning will pave the way for me to help kids around the world."
Gradovich is tipped to again play the role of the boxing bully in his attempts to hustle Dib out of his stride.
"I don't think Gradovich can change (his style), but even if he does, I don't really care," Dib said.
"I have prepared the best I could and have left no stone unturned."
Dib has no qualms about starting the fight before midday to accommodate the American cable television coverage.
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