Ikemefula Charles Ibeabuchi vs. Idris Abiodun Afinni

"The President's Return" is still on for August 22nd in Lagos, and still a $30 internet PPV, despite the withdrawal of Danny Williams. In steps local cruiserweight Idris Affini - twelve years Ibeabuchi's junior at 40, and boasting am 18-8-2 (15) record.

Affini made his pro debut 14 years after Ibeabuchi's most recent fight (against Chris Byrd in '99). In terms of notable opposition, he went the distance with glass cannon countryman Ola "God's Power" Durodola in their rematch last year (which I guess speaks to a good chin? And maybe questionable pop? ) after being stopped in 2 by Durodola in 2022. His biggest name actual win might be Gbenga Oluokun, whom I honest to goodness had zero earthly idea had still been competing for the last decade.

 

I do not believe that the fight will actually come off.

 

Prizefighting.tv

Affini looks like a perfect tune-up/test for Ibeabuchi, slow but solid, decent power. If Ibeabuchi can win that convincingly, we can look forward to something more appetizing.

Ike Ibeabuchi Vs. Shannon Briggs would be great.

 

Why not? They're promoting it, and went to all the bother of removing Williams (after fan backlash and concern for his well-being) and replacing him with a new opponent. They'll gladly take as many $30 buys as suckers are willing to shell out for this. What do you see being the obstacle?

 

Let's go champ!

 

As I just answered in the other thread, because Hunter, Jalalov and Ibeabucchi fights never come off. Look on the heavyweights thread...how many times have I called the pull-out? How many times have I been wrong?

 

Danny pulling out against Ibeabuchi made sense, because everyone's concerns were correct - he would have maybe died if Ibeabuchi is even 10% of what he was.

I have no problem believing some unscrupulous Nigerian promoters are willing to fleece fans on a trainwreck Ibeabuchi vs. Affini fight, though.

 

We shall see. I want the Hunter-Miller fight, I can do without this.

 

Anyone over the age of 50 shouldn't be allowed to get in a boxing ring in a professionally sanctioned bout.

 

Oliver McCall is 4-0-1 since turning 50.

 

Ike is training hard and looks in great shape but he recently sparred effe ajagba and looked slow and even got rocked to his boots with head gear on. Must have been one of his first real sparring coming back though. Well hes 50 after all

 

Ike has been releasing new footage of himself training for years now, and it always looks like he is training in some small gym in the middle of nowhere. Even at his age he was probably still a big fish in a small bond.

 

Said it before. Got no problem with fighters in their 50s getting in the ring, as long as it's with someone around the same age. A fight with someone any more than 5 years younger shouldn't be sanctioned. Both times I've watched this it made me feel queasy. Geriatric, 58-year-old Holyfield getting destroyed by a 44-year-old ex-UFC fighter in one round. Was horrible to watch. And then the Tyson-Paul farce... got worried at one point because I truly believe Jake Paul could have really hurt Tyson if he'd wanted, but thankfully, Tyson's his friend and he had mercy and held back. Doesn't matter how good you once were, it's a cliche but it's true, Father Time is undefeated. Having said all that, Ibeabuchi will be a hell of a lot less battle-worn than those two, which is a good thing. Was never beaten, never officially knocked down. And lost probably the majority of his prime years/career due to prison.

I've thought for a while, they should set up an over-50s boxing organisation for these guys. It would be great watching the old legends run it back. Even if the fights aren't particularly great... the spectacle of it would be. Plus there's bound to be money involved. Don't tell me Tyson-Holyfield 3 wouldn't sell out. Plus maybe we'll finally get to see Lewis-Bowe after all.