Former heavyweight contender Ike Ibeabuchi is set to make a sensational return to professional boxing after 25 years away from the sport, Sports247 reports.
The 52-year-old, nicknamed “The President”, will face fellow Nigerian Idris Afinni on Saturday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
Ibeabuchi, who boasts an unbeaten record of 20 wins (15 knockouts), last fought in 1999 when he stopped Chris Byrd, a result that cemented his reputation as one of the most feared prospects of his era.
However, his promising career was derailed by a series of legal troubles that led to multiple prison sentences, keeping him out of the ring for over two decades.
Now, determined to relaunch his career, Ibeabuchi has promised to end the fight early against Afinni, 40, who steps in as a late replacement for British veteran Danny Williams.
Williams, best remembered for his 2004 knockout of Mike Tyson, was forced to withdraw due to a sparring injury.
“Afinni is going to go down sooner than later,” Ibeabuchi declared. “He is not in my rank, he is not a measure for me. I am going to dispose of him as early as possible.”
Afinni (18-8-2, 15 KOs), a former Nigerian cruiserweight champion who usually fights around 200lbs, has vowed to defy the odds and shock his more experienced opponent. “I know people see me as the underdog, but I am prepared for this moment,” he said.
At a pre-fight briefing in Lagos, Ibeabuchi outlined his ambitions beyond Saturday’s bout, naming unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk as his ultimate target. “I intend to fight the heavyweight champion of the world, Usyk. He reminds me of Chris Byrd, whom I once beat. That’s the fight I want,” he said.
The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) has sanctioned the fight, with president Rafiu Ladipo hailing it as a milestone for Nigerian boxing. “This is a significant moment, and we expect a great contest,” he noted.
General Secretary Remi Aboderin added that both fighters are well-prepared and fans should expect a memorable night.
Before his long hiatus, Ibeabuchi was renowned for his explosive style, with his 1997 points win over David Tua at the Arco Arena in Sacramento still remembered as one of the most grueling heavyweight contests in history.
Saturday’s fight marks a dramatic comeback for a once-feared heavyweight, as fans eagerly await to see whether Ibeabuchi can turn back the clock and reclaim his place among boxing’s elite.
