Ike Ibeabuchi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ikemefula Charles Ibeabuchi February 2, 1973 Isuochi, Nigeria |
| Other names | "The President" |
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | Heavyweight |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Reach | 76 in (193 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 20 |
| Wins | 20 |
| Wins by KO | 15 |
| Losses | 0 |
Ikemefula Charles "Ike" Ibeabuchi // ⓘ (born February 2, 1973) is a Nigerian former professional boxer who competed from 1994 to 1999 in the heavyweight division. He defeated the previously undefeated highly ranked contender David Tua in 1997 and another highly ranked contender and future world champion Chris Byrd in 1999. He was ranked by BoxRec as the world's No.8 heavyweight in 1997 and 1998, and as No.10 heavyweight in 1999.[1] After compiling an impressive record of 20–0 with 15 knockouts, Ibeabuchi's natural talent and potential inside the ring was eventually overshadowed by emotional instability and violent tendencies in his personal life. After a series of run-ins with law enforcement, he was imprisoned in Las Vegas in July 1999, after submitting an Alford plea for charges on sexual misconduct. This also marked the end of his professional boxing career.
In November 2015, Ibeabuchi was released from the custody of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after completing his 16-year Nevada state prison sentence without incident. He announced his desire to return to the ring to resume his professional boxing career, but was rearrested before his comeback could take place.
In September 2020, an Immigration Judge issued an order addressing Ike Ibeabuchi’s "New Arrival" status with Nigeria Immigration Services, as directed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
As of 2024, Ibeabuchi began working with Ben Wilson from Glossop, UK, to organize and promote a successful return to the ring, focusing on overcoming legal and logistical challenges. Several recent videos show Ibeabuchi training, sharing his journey, discussing future opportunities with Ben and generating renewed interest in his comeback. Plans were in motion for Ibeabuchi to participate in a scheduled fight in December 2024 against journeyman Ayman Farouk Abbas on the undercard of a WBF world title bout in Port Harcourt, finally marking a significant step in his return to professional boxing. However, his return fight against Abbas is rescheduled to February 2025 due to disputes between promoters and organisers.
- ^ "BoxRec's Annual Ratings: Heavyweight Annuals". BoxRec. Retrieved 25 December 2020.