Veteran Nigerian heavyweight Ike Ibeabuchi has declared himself prepared to interrupt George Foreman’s age document when he fights for the World Boxing Bureau Heavyweight Championship on Christmas Eve in Lagos.
The 52-year-old will face Kabiru Towolawi in a 12-round most important occasion on the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Wednesday, with victory putting him heading in the right direction to change into the oldest man to win a recognised heavyweight title, surpassing Foreman, who set the document at 45 in 1994.
Ibeabuchi, who carries knowledgeable document of 21 wins (16 KOs) with out defeat, stays centered on his final aim of going through Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship.
“I’m prepared for it, however I don’t suppose that is the check. The check I’ve for myself is to battle Usyk or any top-10 boxer on the planet,” Ibeabuchi advised PUNCH On-line.
“I’m going to get the document and preserve the religion that ultimately, I’ll get the world title battle I would like in opposition to Usyk. Nevertheless, this can be a good battle. It takes two to tango, and I intend to symbolize my coaching and placed on present.”
His opponent, Towolawi, nevertheless, has vowed to spoil the occasion and avenge his buddy, Idris Afinni, whom Ibeabuchi stopped in three rounds in August.
“I’m going to avenge my buddy, Afinni. I’m going to beat Ibeabuchi tomorrow. I’m taking the belt residence to my child; that’s his Christmas reward.
“I’ve the extent of expertise he has and have additionally received a world title. I’m not afraid of Ibeabuchi. That is my work; I’m merely going to my workplace,” Towolawi declared.
Promoter Miyen Akiri expressed confidence that the Lagos present would offer Ibeabuchi with a transparent pathway in his comeback.
“It is a historic second for Nigerian boxing. We’re not simply placing on a battle — we’re giving one in every of our biggest fighters the platform to chase immortality.
“Ibeabuchi has confirmed he nonetheless has what it takes, and victory on Christmas Eve places him ready to problem the perfect on the planet. Lagos will witness one thing particular, “ Akiri stated.
Nigerian Boxing Board of Management President, Rafiu Oladipo, backed the bout and praised the promotion’s organisation.
“It is a battle that we need to see. He needs to get the document, and we’re ready for the match. He’s going to battle one other skilled boxer in Towolawi. I consider that Ibeabuchi is an inspiration for boxers as he’s nonetheless preventing. We’re in assist of any consequence,” Oladipo said.
NBBofC Secretary-Basic, Remi Aboderin, added, “The NBBofC is dedicated to working with each recognised sanctioning physique to make sure Nigerian boxing continues to develop. We welcome partnerships that deliver high quality boxing to our followers and supply our fighters with reliable alternatives on the world stage.”
The WBB, a world boxing physique that has been in existence for 26 years, has formally sanctioned the Lagos contest, which is able to stream on Prizefighting.television.
The December occasion will characteristic a full undercard showcasing a number of Nigerian fighters, together with a cruiserweight bout between Sunday Abudu and Afinni, and a heavyweight contest between Kazeem Samson and an opponent but to be introduced.
