Ike Ibeabuchi vs Chris Byrd in a ten round non-title fight
Date: March 20, 1999
Venue: Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington
Ibeabuchi stance: orthodox
Byrd stance: southpaw
Born in Nigeria in 1973, Ibeabuchi claimed he was inspired to become a boxer after watching Buster Douglas upset Mike Tyson. He emigrated to America with his mother in 1993, and turned pro a year later. His first big test came in his 17th contest when he faced unbeaten and highly ranked contender David Tua. That brutal, 12 round bout set records for the most punches thrown and landed in a heavyweight fight, and is widely considered one of the best heavyweight fights of all time. Ibeabuchi picked up the WBC International title and cemented his place at the elite level in his division.
Years later, Ibeabuchi's mother said his strange, sometimes violent, behaviour and criminal episodes all began very soon after the Tua bout, implying the punishment her son took over 12 rounds had caused serious brain damage.
Chris Byrd started boxing when he was just ten years old. His 285-bout amateur career culminated in him winning the silver medal in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona as a middleweight (Byrd had a trial for the 1988 Olympics while fighting as a light welterweight). Byrd was fairly small as a heavyweight at just six foot, but his reputation as a light puncher is slightly unfair.
Byrd turned pro in January 1993, and by the time he shared a ring with Ibeabuchi, he was 26-0 with 13 KOs. Quite a few of his opponents were considered fringe contenders, or better, with his best wins to date coming against Phil Jackson, Lionel Butler, Bert Cooper and Eliecer Castillo (who was unbeaten at the time).
For an in depth look at their respective records, visit:
Ike Ibeabuchi - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/5981
Chris Byrd - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/4923
