MANNY Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz, who was recently hired by undefeated heavyweight Ike “The President” Ibeabuchi, claimed that the Filipino ring icon insisted that the 43-years-old boxer be on the fight card when he faces Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley for the third time in Las Vegas on April 9.
Koncz has no plans of providing Ibeabuchi, who has a record of 20-0 with 15 knockouts a tune-up fight. He intends to put him in against a Top 15 heavyweight contender in his return to the ring after 17 years.
Boxing Scene quoted Koncz, who claimed “Manny insisted that Ike be on the card.”
Koncz, who serves as adviser to both Pacquiao and now Ibeabuchi, informed BoxingScene.com of the April 9 card, stating: “He (Ibeabuchi) signed with MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions (who along with Top Rank serves as co-promoter of the April 9 event), with the intention of making a big splash right away. He’s not interested in a tune-up. We’re looking for a Top 15-ranked heavyweight for his first fight back.”
Ibeabuchi made a big impression in a war with previously unbeaten heavy puncher David Tua in June 1997 and is best known for what was regarded as a highlight reel fifth-round knockout of Chris Byrd in March 1999, with a vicious left hook. And although Byrd beat the count, he was soon sent crashing to the canvas.
Ibeabuchi had several brushes with the law and in 1999 was charged with sexual assault of an exotic dancer at a Las Vegas hotel room and was sentenced to 20 years in prison, before he was ordered to be released in February last year. But he was only released from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities last November.
Koncz said Ibeabuchi was the best young heavyweight of his time. “From where we sit, he can still bring that level of excitement for a division that can always use it. The sport needs someone exciting to fill the void at the top. We honestly believe Ike Ibeabuchi can be the one to do it.”