Former heavyweight contender Ike Ibeabuchi is set to make a highly anticipated return to the boxing ring when he faces Abiodun Afinni on Saturday, August 23, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
Ibeabuchi, 51, popularly known as “The President,” promised fans a dominant comeback, vowing to stop Afinni within the first three rounds. He was initially scheduled to fight British knockout specialist Danny “The Brixton Hammer” Williams, but Williams pulled out due to injury, paving the way for Afinni as a late replacement.
Boasting an unblemished professional record of 20 victories 15 by knockout before his long hiatus, Ibeabuchi said the bout would mark the start of his journey toward reclaiming relevance in the heavyweight division.
“Yes, indeed. I’m so ready to be back in boxing and continue where I left off,” Ibeabuchi declared at a press conference in Lagos. “I intend to fight the heavyweight champion of the world, Oleksandr Usyk. That’s who I’m targeting because he reminds me of Chris Byrd. I’m going to prove on the 23rd that I’m still the best boxer in the heavyweight division and in the world.”
His opponent, Afinni, 40, a former Nigerian cruiserweight champion with 18 wins (15 KOs), eight losses, and two draws, said the clash presents the biggest opportunity of his career.
“This is going to be the greatest opportunity for me as a boxer, to be in the same ring with someone I’ve always admired,” Afinni said. “But I’m going to send him back to the old people’s home. I can never allow my opponent to beat me. This is my time.”
The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control has sanctioned the fight, with its president, Rafiu Ladipo, calling on fans to troop out and support what he described as a landmark event for Nigerian boxing.
Organisers confirmed the bout will also be available globally via pay-per-view at www.prizefighting.tv, with streaming set for 1:00 PM New York time, 6:00 PM London, 12:00 PM Dallas, and 10:00 AM Los Angeles.
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