PACQUIAO ADVISER KONCZ CLAIMS MANNY INSISTED THAT IBEABUCHI BE ON THE BRADLEY III CARD
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 04 Jan 2016
Ibeabuchi.
Manny Pacquiao?s adviser Michael Koncz who was recently hired by undefeated heavyweight Ike ?The President? Ibeabuchi, has claimed that Pacquiao insisted that the former Nigerian, who is 43 years old, 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 Ibeabuci, who has a record of 20-0 with 15 knockouts, a tune-up fight and 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 5th 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 released in February last year but was only released from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities last November.
Koncz says Ibeabuchi was the best young heavyweight of his time and added ?from where we sit he can still bring that level of excitement for a division that can always use it.?
Koncz maintains ?the sport needs someone exciting to fill the void at the top. We honestly believe Ike Ibeabuchi cam be the one to do it.?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Unbeaten and undefiled
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 29 Oct 2025Press Conference Notes: Mary Spencer & Mikaela Mayer Battle for Three Super Welterweight World Titles
Wed, 29 Oct 2025Casimero Needs Professional Team to Set A-right His Flagging Boxing Career
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 29 Oct 2025Yanong is new UBO Continental welter champ
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 29 Oct 2025Jerusalem shrugs off age disparity
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 29 Oct 2025NBA Scrutinizes Gambling Landscape After Player and Coach Indicted in Federal Probe
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 29 Oct 2025THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 23: MUHAMMAD ALI AFTER THRILLA (THE CONCLUSION)
By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 29 Oct 2025WBA #3 Heavyweight Contender Lenier Pero Ready for Statement Win Against Jordan Thompson on DAZN
Wed, 29 Oct 2025Fights Announced For CB Promotions Debut Card For Tuesday, November 25th at Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey
Wed, 29 Oct 2025JAQUAN CARTY SCORES UNANIMOUS 10-ROUND DECISION OVER SEMAJAY THOMAS
Tue, 28 Oct 2025Rapista fails to win IBF Youth super fly
Tue, 28 Oct 2025Deadline on October 30 in DCHS Fun Run
Tue, 28 Oct 2025Kittipayak is new WBF World heavyweight champ
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 28 Oct 2025NBA Daily: Spurs Dominate Raptors 121-103
By Reylan Loberternos, Tue, 28 Oct 2025National Master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. rules Moonroast chessfest
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 28 Oct 2025