Iconic Nigerian heavyweight boxer, Ike Ibeabuchi (The President), has revealed a number of factors that can help former two-time champion of the world, Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua stage a bold return to the ring and reclaim his belts once again, Sports247 reports.
Although many boxing gurus believe ‘AJ’ is already done and dusted, following repeated defeats by Oleksandr Usyk and fellow Nigerian-born Briton, Daniel Dubois, Ibeabuchi believes Joshua can use his physical attributes to make another historic comeback.
Ibeabuchi, who won all 20 of his professional bouts, 15 of which were via knockouts, before quitting in 1999 due to long-drawn legal issues, took another look at Joshua’s assets and declared: “He’s got a big punch and he’s big. His size is like he’s 6’5 or 6’6. So, I want him to be an aggressor.”
The 52-year-old Ibeabuchi, whose real name is Ikemefula Charles, further advised Joshua to push aside any anxiety and fear that might be following him after his high-profile defeats, with a verdict that the former champion’s size can make a world of difference.
“I want him to approach any opponent without fear. I believe he can be the big one in the ring … because of his size and his achievements.
“It’s always good to take what’s yours, with such audacity and impetus. You can be commanding and dominating in the ring,” concluded Ibeabuchi, who made history when he beat David Tua in 1997 and Chris Byrd in 1999.
Incidentally, Sports247 gathered that Ibeabuchi, who was ranked world number eight in 1997, is also staging a bold return of his own, as he is set to tango 40-year-old Idris Afiinni later this month in Lagos, following his return home to Nigeria after facing legal issues in the USA, dating back to July 1999.
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