Veteran Nigerian heavyweight Ike Ibeabuchi has declared himself ready to break George Foreman’s age record 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 main event at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Wednesday, with victory placing him on course to become the oldest man to win a recognised heavyweight title, surpassing Foreman, who set the record at 45 in 1994.
Ibeabuchi, who carries a professional record of 21 wins (16 KOs) without defeat, remains focused on his ultimate goal of facing Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship.
“I am ready for it, but I don’t think this is the test. The test I have for myself is to fight Usyk or any top-10 boxer in the world,” Ibeabuchi told PUNCH Online.
“I am going to get the record and keep the faith that sooner or later, I will get the world title fight I want against Usyk. However, this is a good fight. It takes two to tango, and I intend to represent my training and put on a good show.”
His opponent, Towolawi, however, has vowed to spoil the party and avenge his friend, Idris Afinni, whom Ibeabuchi stopped in three rounds in August.
“I am going to avenge my friend, Afinni. I am going to beat Ibeabuchi tomorrow. I am taking the belt home to my kid; that is his Christmas gift.
“I have the level of experience he has and have also won a world title. I am not scared of Ibeabuchi. This is my work; I am simply going to my office,” Towolawi declared.
Promoter Miyen Akiri expressed confidence that the Lagos show would provide Ibeabuchi with a clear pathway in his comeback.
“This is a historic moment for Nigerian boxing. We’re not just putting on a fight — we’re giving one of our greatest fighters the platform to chase immortality.
“Ibeabuchi has proven he still has what it takes, and victory on Christmas Eve puts him in a position to challenge the best in the world. Lagos will witness something special, “ Akiri said.
Nigerian Boxing Board of Control President, Rafiu Oladipo, backed the bout and praised the promotion’s organisation.
“This is a fight that we want to see. He wants to get the record, and we are waiting for the match. He is going to fight another experienced boxer in Towolawi. I believe that Ibeabuchi is an inspiration for boxers as he is still fighting. We are in support of any outcome,” Oladipo stated.
NBBofC Secretary-General, Remi Aboderin, added, “The NBBofC is committed to working with every recognised sanctioning body to ensure Nigerian boxing continues to grow. We welcome partnerships that bring quality boxing to our fans and provide our fighters with legitimate opportunities on the world stage.”
The WBB, a global boxing body that has been in existence for 26 years, has officially sanctioned the Lagos contest, which will stream on Prizefighting.tv.
The December event will feature a full undercard showcasing several Nigerian fighters, including a cruiserweight bout between Sunday Abudu and Afinni, and a heavyweight contest between Kazeem Samson and an opponent yet to be announced.
