JAKE WYLLIE went toe-to-toe with Youssef Dib and, after a few hairy moments, was able to emerge from their absorbing super-lightweight contest with a convincing points victory.
Two scorecards of 98-92, as well as a third reflection of 97-93, saw the Aussie bruiser claim a notable scalp at the Fortitude Music Hall in Queensland, Australia, earlier today.
His opportunity to headline a Matchroom Boxing event materialised several months after Wyllie, 18-2 (16 KOs), a previously little-known operator, stepped in to face George Kambosos Jr on short notice.
Despite losing a unanimous decision on that particular night in March, the fan-friendly puncher nonetheless gave a titanic effort and, in doing so, landed himself an all-Australian clash with Dib, 21-4 (11 KOs).
The opening round of their domestic dustup saw both combatants adopt their usual roles, with Wyllie pressing forward – somewhat recklessly, at times – while Dib looked to control proceedings behind a sharp jab.
Wyllie then landed a meaningful body shot in the following frame, forcing his opponent to retreat, but was compelled to soak up an accurate right hand just a few moments later.
Dib only began to enjoy further success with that shot and, towards the end of what appeared to be a difficult third round, managed to sting his aggressive opponent with an almost identical backhand.
Another peach of a right hand then saw Wyllie suffer from a brief case of spaghetti legs, or at least, a momentary loss of balance caused him to stumble over his opponent.
By the mid-way point, it became clear that Dib was looking to land just one shot – which he was, indeed, having ample success with – yet Wyllie, to his credit, returned the favour with a thumping right hand of his own in the fifth round.
At which point, the 25-year-old had not only showcased a sturdy chin, but also a seemingly bottomless gas tank, so much so that his greater volume was clearly swinging the rounds in his favour.
Sure enough, that added work rate made a sizable difference down the stretch, with Wyllie firmly restoring his momentum – after a few rocky moments in the early rounds, that was – before outhustling his opponent in the final few frames.
“Hopefully, Eddie [Hearn], this is the beginning of many [great nights], because I love this stuff,” an elated Wyllie said in his post-fight interview.
“If Eddie Hearn wants to give me a big match overseas, I’ll go with open arms. I’d fight King Kong if I got the chance.”
