Ike Ibeabuchi: “I’m Coming to Take Usyk’s Belts”

Nigerian heavyweight Ike Ibeabuchi says he plans to claim the undisputed world championship titles currently held by Oleksandr Usyk.

“It’s nice to finally be back in the ring. Twenty-six years is a long time. I’m in shape and ready to break George Foreman’s record. I want to become the oldest heavyweight champion in the world. I’m in better shape than I was when I beat David Tua in 1997 and knocked out Chris Byrd in 1999.

Over the last 26 years, I’ve been training both physically and mentally. I went to college, earned three degrees, and now work as a paralegal. When your mind and body are in harmony, you become extremely dangerous. I am the most dangerous man in boxing. On August 23, you will see.

I will break George Foreman’s record and become the oldest heavyweight champion. I will not deny myself. My goal is a fight with Oleksandr Usyk for the title. Usyk is keeping my belts warm. If I had the chance to fight for the heavyweight championship, I would never have lost, and those belts would still be mine.

‘The President’ (Ibeabuchi’s nickname) will not be denied. Usyk has the President’s belts, and I’m coming to take them. They’re on loan — he hasn’t paid for them. He won’t be protected,” said Ibeabuchi.

From 1999 to 2015, Ibeabuchi (20-0, 15 KOs) served a prison sentence for assault and attempted sexual assault. He was released in 2015, returned to prison in 2016, and finally regained his freedom in 2020.

Now 52 years old, Ibeabuchi is scheduled to fight 40-year-old Nigerian Idris Afinnih (18-8-2, 15 KOs) on August 23.

Photo: Punch