Ike Ibeabuchi Calls Out Usyk to Fight in Kyiv in 2026: “I Will Knock You Out”

Nigerian Heavyweight boxer Ike Ibeabuchi proposed a fight to the three-time undisputed champion, the Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk.

“You are the undisputed champion. You are the champion of Ukraine. Fight me in Kyiv in 2026. The world wants to see if the old fire has truly returned. When I defeat Kabiru, I will stake my claim to your titles, Usyk.”

“I have done my part, I have shaken off two decades of rust. Now I appeal to the only man who matters. You talk about fighting for your people. I am offering you the chance to do just that—defend your titles, defend your country.”

“It doesn't matter whether the fight is in Ukraine, or the UK, or Nigeria, or the USA. My knockout power is the same. My power has a visa that allows it to travel all over the world.”

“I will knock you out, Usyk, just like George Foreman knocked out Michael Moorer. I will get the titles that rightfully belong to me and become the oldest Heavyweight champion in history.”

“They say speed fades, endurance diminishes, but the power that is always in my arsenal is what distinguishes a true Heavyweight from the rest. My power doesn’t depend on how fast I move or how durable I am, it depends on leverage and technique.”

“I still have the ability to knock out a whole locomotive. That knockout power, Usyk, is the last thing that will leave me, and I still carry it within me. When I hit you, you will feel the 21 wins and 16 knockouts of my past, and the hunger of my future,” said Ibeabuchi.

Ibeabuchi (21-0, 16 KOs) returned to the ring in 2025. Prior to that, he had not fought since 1999, when he was jailed at the peak of his career following accusations of rape and battery of a hotel employee.

In his comeback fight, Ike defeated his compatriot Idris Afinni.

Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) plans to return to the ring in 2026. His most desired opponent is Deontay Wilder, who has already commented on negotiations for the bout.