Liam Wilson secured a gritty victory against fellow Australian Youssef Dib in a fierce 10-round boxing match in Brisbane, bringing his professional record to 15-3 with a unanimous decision influenced by the judges, scoring the bout 96-91, 96-91, and 95-92. The fight, however, was overshadowed by an incident in the ninth round, where Wilson landed a controversial low blow to Dib and taunted him thereafter, prompting accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct.
Despite the incident, which led to a time-out for Dib and a point deduction for Wilson, the latter expressed his desire for a world title match against American O’Shaquie Foster shortly after the bout. Commenting on the unsportsmanlike nature of his actions, Wilson insisted his behaviour stemmed from the intensity of the moment, stating there was no animosity between himself and Dib, even suggesting they could share a coffee later.
Dib, the younger sibling of former world champion Billy Dib, dismissed the controversy, attributing it to the heat of battle and affirming his respect for Wilson and his team. The fight showcased Wilson’s skill, including two early knockdowns of Dib with powerful left uppercuts. Despite the punishment, Dib displayed commendable resilience, managing to last the full distance and garnering respect from spectators and opponents alike.
The bout was marked not only by its physical intensity but also by moments of confrontation between the fighters, particularly following the end of several rounds. Wilson sustained significant injuries during the match, notably a deep cut on his nose that required constant attention from his corner. By the fight’s conclusion, both fighters left everything in the ring, highlighting the spirit and determination characteristic of professional boxing.