Before earning a win last month, Ike Ibeabuchi (21-0, 16 KOs) had last fought in the previous century. The Nigerian fighter defeated Idris Affini (18-8-2) more than a quarter century after knocking out Chris Byrd in 1999. In earning the victory over Affini in Lagos, Nigeria, Ibeabuchi set a boxing record for the longest return to the ring after a layoff.<\/p>\n
A variety of legal and immigration troubles kept the fighter from the ring for years. An earlier comeback for Ibeabuchi stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
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Oct 16, 2010; Hamburg, GERMANY; Vitali Klitschko (black trunks) trades punches with Shannon Briggs during their bout at O2 Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Groothuis\/Witters Sport via Imagn Images \/ Witters Sport-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Briggs last fought in 2016, although he has long sought a return to the ring. In the build-up to that fight, he sought a match with then-WBO heavyweight champion David Haye. The fight never materialized. More recently, a comeback fight scheduled to take place in Nashville in July fell through. Briggs has also called out Deontay Wilder in the past year.<\/p>\n
Briggs 60-6-1 has as many years as he does knockouts \u2014 53. Ike Ibeabuchi is 52. Though this might be young by the standards of the sport in 2025. Mike Tyson plans to fight Floyd Mayweather<\/a> in an exhibition match next year. He turns 60 in June. <\/p>\n Oliver McCall, another former champion, is already 60 years old. McCall has fought more than Ibebuchi, Briggs, and Tyson combined in the past three years, going 2-0-1 in three bouts.\u00a0<\/p>\n More recently, Briggs has established himself as a prominent boxing influencer. He trained internet superstar Logan Paul for his rematch against fellow internet superstar KSI. His catchphrase, “Let’s go, Champ,” has become one of the most recognizable in the sport today.<\/p>\n The Latest Boxing News<\/p>\n Max Kellerman Delivers Brutal Verdict On Gervonta Davis Resume<\/a><\/p>\n Jaron Ennis’ Father Sends Clear Message On What Terence Crawford’s Next Move Should Be<\/a><\/p>\n Manny Pacquiao’s Fight Return News Sparks ‘Brutal’ Fan Knockout Predictions<\/a><\/p>\n