The former heavyweight claimant Ike Ibeabuchi declared his intention to dethron Oleksandr Usyk and became the oldest heavyweight champion in history, at the age of 52.

An unacceptable Nigerian, called the “president”, returns to the ring to the ring on August 23 against Idris “Finito” Affini after the withdrawal of Danny Williams. The event staged in Lagos will be the first fight of Ibeabuchi in 26 years.

Ibeabuchi’s decisive return to the ring

Ibeabuchi is not surprised by age or rust and plans to make up for the loss of time after he was at the threshold of the world title before imprisonment in the tardy 1990s.

At 20-0, 15 KO, a veteran believes that there is still a lot of tank in the tank and plans to show him this month against Affini.

“It’s good to finally go back to the ring. Twenty -six years are a long time,” Ibeabuchi said only World Boxing News. “I am in shape and ready to break George Foreman’s record.

“I want to become the oldest heavyweight champion in the world. I am in a better form than when I defeated David Tua (in 1997) and knocked out Chris Byrd (in 1999).

“I train both physically and mentally for 26 years. I went to college and received three degrees, and I am an assistant. When the mind and body are tuned, you become extremely risky. I am the most risky man in boxing. You will see August 23.”

Benchmark Foreman and Usyk’s challenge

Ambitious Foreman reference repair plans mean that Ibeabuchi must defeat the current master Oleksandr Utyk. The Brozy Ukrainian, who is also a pound king for pounds, plans to spend some time after winning Daniel Dubois last month.

Ibeabuchi has to be done earlier and he would have to achieve something else at this age any other heavyweight boxer, winning the world ranking at the age of 50.

But this is a goal if Foreman’s long -lasting record focuses on the unbeaten former claimant during his second race.

Foreman famously claimed that WBA and IBF HEAD CRONS MICHAEL MOORERER AT THE AGREE OF 45 in 1994. IBEABuchi insists that he surpassed this feat and a detected unquestioned ruler.

“I will stop George Foreman’s record and become the oldest heavyweight champion in the world. I do not refuse to refuse,” said Ibeabuchi.

“My goal is Oleksandr Usyk for the title. Usyk keeps my lanes hot. If I had the opportunity to fight for the championship in hefty weight, I would never lose myself and I would still have these belts.

“The president will not be denied. Usyk has the president’s belts, and I come to get them. They are simply a rental company and did not pay his Danegeld. He cannot be protected.”

President’s road before

These victories over Tua and Byrdem turn their eyes to Ibeabuchi back at its excellent level. However, it was a long time ago, and the prison in combination with the father’s time can be cruel to the body.

Older fans and media will watch the return of Ibeabuchi with the intrigue on August 23 with thoughts about what could have been, and if he defeated Affini, his next movement will be interested.

But approaching Usyk at this stage of his career is more than a dream for a one -time heavyweight force.

About the author

Phil Jay is an experienced boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. How The editor -in -chief of World Boxing News since 2010Jay has An interview with dozens of world champions was conducted AND Ring reported On the largest boxing nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] And find out more about his work in combat sports journalism.

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