Nigerian boxing legend Ike Ibeabuchi has confirmed he is planning a return to professional boxing at the age of 52, more than 25 years after his last fight, The PUNCH reports.

The former heavyweight contender, who compiled an impressive 20-0 record with 15 knockouts between 1994 and 1999, told our correspondent that age would not be a barrier to his championship ambitions.

“Yes, I am planning a return to boxing. I just want to box and become a world champion. My age does not matter, I just want to become a world champion, and there is nothing stopping me from doing that,” Ibeabuchi said.

The Nigerian, known as “The President” during the latter part of his career, was ranked as the world’s eighth-best heavyweight by BoxRec in 1997 and 1998, dropping to 10th in 1999 before his career was derailed by legal troubles.

Ibeabuchi’s most notable victories came against David Tua in 1997, defeating the previously undefeated, highly-ranked contender by unanimous decision over 12 rounds in what became the third highest punch-count fight in heavyweight history according to CompuBox statistics. He followed this with a knockout victory over future world champion Chris Byrd in 1999, which proved to be his final professional bout.

Born on 2 February 1973, Ibeabuchi’s boxing journey began after witnessing Buster Douglas’s shocking knockout of Mike Tyson in 1990. The upset inspired him to take up boxing as an amateur, and he twice defeated compatriot Duncan Dokiwari, who would go on to win Olympic bronze in 1996.

After emigrating to the United States with his mother in 1993, Ibeabuchi settled in the Dallas area and won both the Dallas and Texas State Golden Gloves tournaments at heavyweight in 1994 before turning professional.

His promising career came to an abrupt halt following a sexual assault conviction, though this was later overturned by the Nevada Supreme Court. He subsequently faced immigration issues and reportedly battled mental health problems during a lengthy period away from the sport.

Now working with UK-based promoter Ben Wilson from Glossop to organise his comeback, Ibeabuchi remains confident about his chances against younger opponents.

“I am ready to fight anywhere and anybody who wants to step up. Boxing is about brain work, and I know I can take it up to them even though the younger guys are agile, I have the experience,” he said.

Recent training videos have shown Ibeabuchi preparing for his return, generating renewed interest in what would be one of boxing’s most remarkable comeback stories.

A contract reportedly detailing a potential fight between Ibeabuchi and former Mike Tyson conqueror Danny Williams has been published online, with the bout scheduled to take place on or before July 5, 2025. Williams, now 55-33 as a professional, last fought in 2023 and famously knocked out Tyson in 2004.

Ibeabuchi was also reportedly scheduled to face Egypt’s Ayman Farouk Abbas in late 2024, though that contest never materialised. (punch)