After conquering the hardest fight of his life, Australian boxing champion Billy ‘The Kid’ Dib was excited to celebrate Ramadan with his community at Lakemba.

The two-time world boxing champion, who is recovering from cancer, defied doctors’ orders not to fast and put it all on the line to show his commitment for the holy month.

“The doctors told me to take it easy and not to push myself,” Dib said.

“I wasn’t even expecting to fast this year, so it’s amazing that I’ve been able to fast for the whole month. To be here and celebrating with everybody is just a blessing.

“I want to say thank you to everyone in the community for supporting me and showing so much love during the time when I was in hospital fighting cancer.”

Dib has been shying away from large crowds because of his condition but wanted to meet fans during Ramadan Nights at Lakemba.

Over the weekend, he was obliging, posing for hundreds of photographs and signing copies of his inspiring new book ‘A True Heart, The Fights of My Life’.

Having grown up in Greenacre, Dib very rarely missed the opportunity of attending Lakemba’s Ramadan Nights and fondly recalls many wonderful experiences he’s had at the event with relatives and loved ones.

“This year is really buzzing on another level. There’s so many people out here it’s just amazing to see!”

“I love the unity, everybody here is getting along and having a great time.

“As you look around, you see all different kinds of ethnicities and cultures and everyone coming together – it’s so beautiful.”

Ramadan Nights Lakemba has already attracted more than 1.2 million visitors as Haldon Street is transformed into a global food bazaar. It runs until Thursday 20 April.

“Get out here, enjoy yourself, have fun with the family and really soak it in because it is such a wonderful experience,” Dib said. For more details, visit cb.city/RamadanNights