Billy Dib has opened up about his contentious relationship with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, revealing that he believes the rapper “robbed” him of $1.7 million during his boxing career. The former world champion joined Jackson’s promotional company, SMS Promotions, at a high point in his career, but things soon took a turn for the worse.
In a recent podcast interview, the 39-year-old boxer recounted his experience with Jackson, initially excited about a promising partnership that ultimately led to significant financial loss. Dib stated, “There are people that robbed me along the way. 50 Cent took me to the cleaners; he robbed me blind.” He explained how he signed a life-changing three-year deal with Jackson at 27 or 28 years old, but ultimately, the company was dissolved, leaving him financially devastated.
During his struggles, Dib faced serious health issues, including a battle with stomach cancer. At one point, he reached out to Jackson for help, as he was owed $1.1 million (approximately $1.7 million AUD). Despite explaining his dire situation, he recalled that Jackson only transferred him $50,000, leaving him considerably short of what he was owed. “That should get you through whatever you’re going through,” was Jackson’s response, according to Dib.
For many years, Dib carried resentment towards Jackson for the financial burden he inflicted. However, following his cancer diagnosis, Dib decided to release those feelings. He remarked, “I made a decision when I was diagnosed with cancer that I was going to forgive him and I was going to forgive anyone who robbed me in the sport of boxing.” This decision to forgive allowed him to finally move on.
Dib’s last fight was in December, where he achieved victory over Atilla Kayabasi. Having released the emotional weight of his past grievances, including his feud with Jackson, he now feels liberated and ready to focus on his future.