CEBU, Philippines – He's been out of action for 17 years. Now out of prison, he hopes to relive his once promising boxing career.
That is what the unbeaten heavyweight Ike "The President" Ibeabuchi (20-0, 15KOs) has in mind as he makes his ring return on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Tim Bradley III on April 9 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In a report by Jake Donovan of boxingscene.com, Pacquiao's adviser Michael Koncz said no less than Pacquiao himself wants Ibeabuchi, who turns 43 next month, on the card.
"Manny insisted that Ike be on the card," said Koncz, who was recently hired by Ibeabuchi to manage his career. "He signed with MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions (who along with Top Rank serves as co-promoter of the April 9 event) with the intention of making a big splash right away. He's not interested in a tune-up; we're looking for a Top 15-ranked heavyweight for his first fight back."
Ibeabuchi first shot to fame when he stunned the previously undefeated David Tua in June 1997, but he is best remembered for his smashing fifth round stoppage of Chris Byrd in March 1999.
However, personal troubles and several brushes with law put Ibeabuchi's fistic journey on a rocky road.
Two years after serving a four-month sentence for false imprisonment in 1997, Ibeabuchi was charged with sexual assault of an exotic dancer at a Las Vegas hotel room and was eventually sentenced to 20 years in jail. He was released in February 2015 year but was only released from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities last November.
Ibeabuchi hasn't fought since 1999, but Koncz strongly feels that the Nigerian heavy-bomber still has what it takes to bring a high level of excitement to a division he used to dominate.
"He was the best young heavyweight of his time and from where we sit, he can still bring that level of excitement to a division that can always use it," said Koncz in the same internet report by Donovan."The sport needs someone exciting to fill that void at the top. We honestly believe Ike Ibeabuchi can be the one to do it."
Ibeabuchi though still needs to get a boxing license for him to fight again. (FREEMAN)