LAGOS, Nigeria – Fifty-two-year-old Ike IbaBuchi made a triumphant return to the boxing ring over the weekend, defeating Idris Afinni in his home country of Nigeria and immediately setting his sights on heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Ike IbaBuchi, a once-promising heavyweight contender, has won his comeback fight and issued a challenge to Oleksandr Usyk.
- Ike IbaBuchi, 52, won his comeback fight in Lagos, Nigeria.
- He defeated Idris Afinni by technical knockout in the third round.
- IbaBuchi previously had an undefeated record of 20 wins with 15 knockouts.
- He was arrested in 1999 for serious crimes and released from prison in 2015.
- IbaBuchi was deported to Nigeria in 2021 and has now returned to boxing.
Did IbaBuchi’s comeback demand a shot at Oleksandr Usyk? Yes, the Nigerian boxer made it clear he wants to fight the current heavyweight champion.
In the 1990s, Ike IbaBuchi was a rising star, a Nigerian heavyweight many believed was destined for world championship status. His professional record was a flawless 20 wins, including 15 knockouts, after defeating strong opponents like David Tua and Chris Byrd. A title fight against legends like Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, or Evander Holyfield seemed inevitable.
However, IbaBuchi’s promising career derailed due to psychological issues and criminal activity. He was arrested in Las Vegas in 1999 after an incident with a call girl in his hotel room. This led to a lengthy prison sentence, which concluded in 2015.
Six years later, IbaBuchi was deported back to Nigeria amidst speculation that he had stayed in shape during his incarceration and might attempt a boxing comeback.
That comeback materialized over the weekend in Lagos. IbaBuchi, now 52, faced Idris Afinni, a fighter described as a “box-nobody,” and secured a victory via technical knockout in the third round in a bout categorized as “Fair boxes.”
Ike IbaBuchi wins at comeback and demands Usyk
Following his victory, the Nigerian boxer wasted no time in calling out the current heavyweight king, Oleksandr Usyk.
“I want to box, the champion,” IbaBuchi stated. “My balance is 21 too zero, 16 Knockouts – why can’t he fight against me?” he asked, speaking to “Fight Gist Media.”
He added that he was previously ranked in the top ten and expressed a strong desire to face Usyk. “I want him before the time runs, I want to use Usyk.”
It’s highly unlikely such a fight will materialize on a major stage, as it appears to be an attempt by IbaBuchi to secure a payday or two in the twilight of his career.
