Ike Ibeabuchi’s remarkable comeback continues to make headlines after “The President” halted Idris Afinni in three rounds last weekend, ending 26 years of inactivity.
Now, one of Ibeabuchi’s representatives has exclusively told World Boxing News that plans are already underway for the 52-year-old to fight again within the next month.
The swift return comes as Prizefighting.tv informed WBN that issues with the payment system crashed the network due to high demand. Once the network fixes those glitches, it’s full steam ahead for Ibeabuchi’s second fight of 2025.
Fast turnaround planned
“We are planning another very shortly,” the rep confirmed to WBN. “Maybe in the next 30 to 35 days.
“He needs to get more ring time. I heard that he was already back in the gym today, training as if there was no fight on Saturday.
“But we have to make sure that the technical issues of the Pay Per View purchasing are resolved.”
The representative admitted that they underestimated the amount of attention the heavyweight would generate after such a long absence.
“I was not certain how much demand there would be for a guy who had been out of the ring for 26 years. However, the demand was there, both from the US and internationally.
“I think the amount of demand, combined with the international demand, is what crashed the system.
“It appears that this guy may have more appeal than many of the current fighters in the top 15 of all boxing organizations. That is shocking to me after 26 years.”
Staying power from the TV era
Reflecting on Ibeabuchi’s enduring appeal, the spokesperson credited the fighter’s fame during boxing’s golden age of American television.
“What that shows is the power that the old linear TV networks like HBO and Showtime had when it came to building a boxer’s notoriety with the public. It has staying power.”
While no official date or opponent is imminent, Ibeabuchi’s camp is confident that the former heavyweight sensation’s second act will continue sooner rather than later.
Fans will now wait to see whether his comeback can turn into a consistent run, or if boxing politics once again play a part in the career of one of the sport’s most enigmatic figures.
Ibeabuchi needs a step-up from what was effectively a cruiserweight opponent to ease him back in.
The next step should be a heavyweight ranked in the Top 40, as the Nigerian can ill afford to waste any time.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.