The idea he ducked Ibeabuchi is pretty weak though. Would have loved that fight, but Ike effed himself before anything could happen.
Nobody ducked Ike. He wasn't around long enough and got himself in trouble when he was finally in position to make noise. I don't believe Lewis ducked Wlad either. Wlad clinging to the WBO belt, kept him from being a Lewis mandatory. They were building towards a super fight but Wlad fumbled against Sanders. I don't believe Lewis ducked Ruiz either. At least not when it was originally scheduled. The Grant fight took rightful priority in that situation.
Agreed. The WBO, while having gained more cred, has been a title that early on, pretty much kept one from getting unification, or better fights. Didn't care for Joe c holding on to that belt for as long as he did. It also hurt Antonio Margarito some as the WBO WW champ during his reign.