Ike Ibeabuchi defeated the previously undefeated highly ranked contender David Tua in 1997 and another highly ranked contender and future world champion Chris Byrd in 1999.
29 Facts About Ike Ibeabuchi
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Ike Ibeabuchi was ranked by BoxRec as the world's No 8 heavyweight in 1997 and 1998, and as No 10 heavyweight in 1999.
3.
In November 2015, Ike Ibeabuchi was released from the custody of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement after completing his 16-year Nevada state prison sentence without incident.
4.
Ike Ibeabuchi announced his desire to return to the ring to resume his professional boxing career, but was rearrested before his comeback could take place.
5.
Ike Ibeabuchi planned on joining the Nigerian military before he witnessed Buster Douglas knock out Mike Tyson in 1990.
6.
Ike Ibeabuchi twice defeated countryman and eventual 1996 Olympic Bronze medalist Duncan Dokiwari.
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Ike Ibeabuchi emigrated to the United States and moved to the Dallas area with his mother in 1993.
8.
Ike Ibeabuchi won the Dallas and Texas State Golden Gloves tournaments at heavyweight in 1994.
9.
Under the guidance of former world welterweight champion Curtis Cokes, Ike Ibeabuchi made his professional debut at heavyweight with a second-round knockout of Ismael Garcia on October 13,1994.
10.
Ike Ibeabuchi set the individual CompuStat record by throwing 975 punches and averaging 81 per round.
11.
The courts concluded Ike Ibeabuchi was trying to commit suicide, and he was sentenced to 120 days in jail after pleading guilty to false imprisonment.
12.
Ike Ibeabuchi developed a new persona based on his nickname, 'The President'.
13.
Once, Ike Ibeabuchi wielded a knife during a dinner meeting in New York to discuss a possible three fight HBO deal.
14.
Ike Ibeabuchi returned to the ring after 13 months of inactivity, scoring a first-round knockout over Tim Ray in July 1998.
15.
Ike Ibeabuchi's next fight was against Chris Byrd in March 1999.
16.
In July 1999, Ike Ibeabuchi was staying at The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas when he phoned a local escort service and had a woman sent to his room.
17.
Ike Ibeabuchi claimed Ibeabuchi attacked her in the walk-in closet after she demanded to be paid up front.
18.
Ike Ibeabuchi barricaded himself in the bathroom and police discharged pepper spray under the door until he surrendered.
19.
Ike Ibeabuchi was released on bail and placed under house arrest, able to train and fight again until his trial.
20.
Ike Ibeabuchi was remanded after two more similar allegations surfaced from Arizona.
21.
Ike Ibeabuchi was deemed incompetent to stand trial and was sent to a state facility.
22.
Ike Ibeabuchi subsequently entered an Alford plea, pleading guilty while not admitting guilt to avoid going to trial.
23.
Ike Ibeabuchi earned a paralegal certificate by correspondence from Blackstone Career Institute in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
24.
Ike Ibeabuchi completed his sentence in the Nevada Department of Corrections.
25.
Ike Ibeabuchi was released by USCIS in November 2015 as a free man when Nigeria declined to provide travel documents.
26.
In good health, Ike Ibeabuchi hoped to fight his first comeback bout in the near future, but he was waiting to resolve his immigration and United States citizenship status with USCIS first.
27.
Ike Ibeabuchi holds a green card and his citizenship was pending only the formal swearing in.
28.
Ike Ibeabuchi was released on September 23,2020, from the Arizona State penal system after serving required time, and his probationary status was overturned on appeal.
29.
Ike Ibeabuchi is being held at the United States Immigration, Customs and Enforcement in Eloy, Arizona, during the COVID-19 pandemic until his swearing in ceremony and the formal awarding of US citizenship can be scheduled, either while in detainee custody or after final release.