I used to be an explosive puncher tipped to be subsequent Mike Tyson earlier than 20-year jail time period

A former fighter who was tipped to turn into the following Mike Tyson as a substitute served 20 years in jail after a collection of private points despatched his troubled life spiralling uncontrolled. Ike Ibeabuchi retired in 1999 with an undefeated 20-0 report however that’s solely half the story of the person they nicknamed ‘The President’.

The Nigerian turned essentially the most talked about fighter in his division when he prolonged his report to 17 straight wins in June 1997 towards David Tua in an epic contest for the WBC International Heavyweight title.

Tua had come into the combat with a 27-0 report of his personal however after the congregation witnessed essentially the most punches ever thrown in a heavyweight contest (1,730), it was Ibeabuchi who returned a unanimous verdict, elevating him to world title contender.

But shortly after that landmark victory, the potential champion’s severe psychological well being issues caught up with him. After kidnapping his estranged girlfriend’s 15-year-old son, he drove his automobile head-first right into a tree with the boy within the passenger seat.

The teen suffered life-altering accidents and Ibeabuchi was sentenced to 120 days in jail for false imprisonment and compelled to cough up £400,000 in a civil settlement.

After serving his time, he returned to the ring and as soon as once more displayed his pure boxing expertise with a demolition of future world champion Chris Byrd. Now with a 20-0 report to his identify, the African fighter’s previous got here again to hang-out him when he was arrested after being accused of sexual assault.

A 21-year-old Las Vegas dancer informed police that he had tried to rape her in a closet in his resort room when she requested for cost up entrance. When he was arrested a earlier sexual assault case was reopened towards him and regardless of medics initially deeming him not match to face trial on the grounds he was bipolar, he was ultimately handed a number of jail sentences.

Ibeabuchi’s devastated mom claimed that her son had been the sufferer of a posh conspiracy. She claimed that their dwelling had been damaged into, girls had been bribed, food and drinks had been spiked and telephones had been tapped. She additionally claimed that he had been denied authorized illustration.

Ibeabuchi was ultimately launched in 2014 however was then detained in Arizona for an additional 18 months, throughout which period his mom handed away.

After being positioned on a lifetime parole, the 42-year-old’s deliberate boxing return got here off the rails when he was rearrested for breaking the phrases of his probation and was despatched again to jail in Arizona.

Now 50, boxing followers by no means obtained to see if Ike Ibeabuchi would have gone on to turn into heavyweight world champion. In the top, the one one who might defeat him was himself.