With contenders set to come thick and fast for Oleksandr Usyk, a complete left-field challenge has been offered to the Ukrainian star.
Making his return to the ring earlier this summer, Oleksandr Usyk would become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, finishing Daniel Dubois with a hellacious knockout win.
And linked with a whole host of potential opponents in what may come as his career swan song, Usyk has yet to book his comeback fight.
However, with the likes of Moses Itauma tied to a fight with Usyk — stunningly, a 52-year-old veteran has staked his claim for a title challenge next.
Ike Ibeabuchi calls out Oleksandr Usyk after boxing return
A former WBC international heavyweight champion, Nigerian veteran Ike Ibeabuchi, made a spectacular return to boxing this weekend on home soil.
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And turning in his 21st straight career win, Ibeabuchi snapped a staggering hiatus dating back to 1999, turning in a third-round stoppage win over Idris Afinni.
Previously stopping David Tua all the way back in 1997 to win the WBC international heavyweight crown, Ibeabuchi — now aged 52 — wants one more title charge against Usyk of all fighters.
“I want to fight (Oleksandr) Usyk, the champion,” he told Fight Gist Media. I am 21-0, 16 knockouts, why can’t he fight me?
“I broke the top ten before then. If Usyk wants me to fight more, I will fight more. I love to fight. But I want him before time elapses. I want Usyk.”
Improving to 21-0 as a professional with his win, if Ibeabuchi lands a victory over Usyk in a potential fight — he would stunningly become the oldest heavyweight champion of all-time, beating out the late George Foreman’s spectacular record.
Oleksandr Usyk’s potential return fight
And while Ibeabuchi has offered former cruiserweight champion Usyk the chance to defend his heavyweight titles against him, the Nigerian veteran is likely set to miss out on a clash with the megastar.
Namely, a host of other top contenders have thrown their names into the hat to fight the duel-weight Olympian gold medalist.
The above-mentioned Itauma has been welcomed as a foe by Usyk himself, while interim WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is also set to feature in the potential sweepstakes.
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Currently, Usyk is requesting an extension to hold talks on a future fight with Kiwi star Parker, as he deals with an unspecified injury off the back of his win over British contender Dubois.