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by Johnny Walker
Rapper and fledgling boxing promoter 50 Cent (aka Curtis Jackson) has signed IBF featherweight champion Billy Dib of Australia to a promotional contract, according to various media sources.
Also on the new TMT (The Money Team) roster are super middleweight contender Andre Dirrell and Cuban expatriate featherweight Yuriorkis Gamboa.
And of course Floyd Mayweather Jr., 50’s partner in the TMT venture, figures to be involved in future cards as both a promoter and as a headline attraction.
“We want to change boxing,” says Fiddy, a former amateur boxer who says he wants to take a fighter-oriented, rather than a promoter-oriented, approach to the sport.
“The goal initially is to create a company by fighters, for the fighters, which breaks the traditional vibe of promoters taking advantage of fighters.”
“To me, the options are pretty clear. You can deal with a snake in the grass, a snake in the street or you could try something new,” adds Mr. Cent.
Dib lost his US debut back in 2008 to Steve Luevano and was subsequently dropped by Golden Boy Promotions.
Now he’ll get another crack at the US market with TMT.
“50 Cent has basically flown us over here, and he showed us a lot of love,” says Dib.
“I like the sound of the company. I like the people that he has signed to the company. I’m really excited about the future and what the future holds for me in boxing with this company.”
“I really want to associate myself with the best possible talent, and Billy falls into that category,” explains 50 Cent.
“Floyd [Mayweather Jr.] asked me to sign him, he has been watching his career and he has always been a big fan.
“When you have talent, it is important to showcase that talent.”
