By Alexey Sukachev

According to Evgueny Gradovich’s manager Egis Klimas, his protégé will fight next on Nov. 23 in Macao, China. Gradovich (17-0, 8 KOs) will compete against a familiar face in Billy “The Kid” Dib (36-2, 21 KOs), a fighter he defeated for his IBF featherweight title.

“The contract is signed”, said Klimas to Izvestia Russian daily. “We are eagerly waiting for the fight. The party of the 31-year old former champion asked us continuously about a rematch, and they have found the right arguments. Evgueny will fight on the undercard of one of the greatest fighters of the last decade Manny Pacquiao, who is fighting Brandon Rios in the same event."

The 27-year old Russia acquired his title with a spirited effort and a split decision against Dib in their first fight in March, while being a considerable underdog. Gradovich came back in July, outpointing the mandatory challenger Mauricio Javier Munoz over twelve at the same venue in Macao. IBF #4 Dib, meanwhile, also fought a tune-up, scoring a close decision over veteran Mike Oliver in a foul-filled contest in early July.