Ibeabuchi's last fight was vs Chris Bryd in 1999 and it was a sensational KO over an undefeated Byrd. [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3LVjsWRyuY[/url] Prior to that he went toe to toe with the best version of Tua, and narrowly won on the cards. Let's say his career presses on in 2000-2003 and he fought Lewis, Holyfield and Tyson. I say he goes 2-1 or 3-0. Only Lewis has the chance to beat him.
It may be that you are right...I just find Ike to much of a modern day Tony Ayala...we are just supposed to assume that he would reach his potential, and fulfill all of that perceived talent...yet we are lacking true evidence of how he/they would fare when placed against world level comp....there are to many Jeff Lacy's and David Tua's that look great against mediocre yet are unprepared to battle the best. Ike has always been to much a mystery for me to just assume that he would fulfill everything written about him.
Good analogy with the Ayala comparison. Ike, is left to the keyboard prognosticators, as to how his career may, or may not have turned out. Boxing history is filled with the stories of unfulfilled talent.
Ike proved he could track down and take out the best defensive fighter in Byrd, and stand toe to toe with the most durable slugger of the times. As such he proved a lot in a short career. Ike had solid skills too, including a jab. All world tools. He just did not get a chance to prove it. In many ways he was a more powerful and skilled verison of Ray Mercer.
The interesting thing is, if Ike beat Tyson and Holy field around 99 and retired them, how would that affect Lewis legacy if Tyson/holyfield retired before facing Lewis. Ike would have beat both Holyfield and Tyson in 99, however, you can never discount the Tyson fear factor, ike being as crazy as he is could have pulled a Seldon
