Australian great Billy Dib has revealed boxers have been informed of intentions to potentially introduce a vaccine mandate.
The former IBF featherweight champion’s comments come after the AFL confirmed it would enforce a vaccination policy for AFL and AFLW players, as well as club staff.
The AFL became the first top-level sport in Australia to introduce a vaccine mandate.
“To be quite honest with you… the boxing authority actually sent out a message saying that they are going down that road,” Dib told 2GB’s Wide World of Sports’ radio.
“You’re going to have to be double-vaccinated to fight.
“You just wonder if other sporting codes are going to follow … a lot of people feel they’re being forced to take the vaccination and don’t want to it, and other people are happy to take it.
“For me, if you want to do it, you do. If you don’t want to do it, you don’t have to do it.”
Dib last fought in January, a TKO win against fellow Australian Joey Baylon.
The 36-year-old in 2019 had a mega-bout with big-name British superstar Amir Khan, which he lost via a fourth-round TOKO.
Dib confirmed he has the desire to work his way back into the top ranks as he gets set to take on undefeated Australian Jacob Ng, who to date has won 15 bouts with 11 knockouts.
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The fight is expected to take place in February next year.
“I’m trying to work my way back into the rankings and a really good match-up has presented itself against Jacob Ng, who is a world-rated lightweight,” he said.
“I would be moving up in weight to lightweight to face him.
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“It’s a great opportunity, he is undefeated with a record of 15 fights… he’s quite a puncher.
“I feel great… it’s one of those things, I love the sport of boxing. When I stepped away for a little bit of time, I didn’t know the direction I was taking.
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“Boxing dragged me back in and I’m really enjoying it. I’m staying fit and looking after my health.
“Right now I still feel good and I feel like I can compete with the best of them.”
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