Why this fight exists at all
Kabiru Towolawi, 26-16(22), is not here to relive memories. He’s here because that’s how late-career returns are kept alive. Towolawi is 45, has been stopped ten times, and his recent form says more about durability than ambition. The last recognizable name on his ledger was Olenrewaju Durodola in August 2024, a messy night that ended with Towolawi being disqualified for excessive possession after being fouled. It matters. This tells you what this fight is likely to look like once pressure is on.
For Ibeabuchi, the task is simple and dangerous. Control passes early. Stay balanced at exits. Don’t chase praise. The moment his feet stand upright or his timing drifts shows age. Heavyweights do not age gradually. They fall to pieces.
How the department handles this kind of return
Call out Oleksandr Usyk after one comeback, winning was never realistic. It was faith talking, not matchmaking. The heavyweight division doesn’t bow to sentiment. Sanctioning bodies will not touch a 53-year-old with a 20-year absence. Networks won’t insure him against top contenders. What remains is local promotion, limited opponents and a slowly narrowing of options.
Even the fighters we remember fondly, the versions of Ibeabuchi that printed David Tua and worked out Chris Byrdlived on timing and pressure. Those qualities are the first to erode.
What else could go wrong tonight
Towolawi will last. He will wait for Ibeabuchi to commit over. This is where rhythm breaks and bones stiffen. If Ibeabuchi maintains his structure and lets the other man carry weight, the punches will land and the fight will end early. If he tries to prove something, if he charges or stands squarely, the night becomes longer than it should.
Many boxing fans will be watching. Curiosity always arises for stories like this. But the ring doesn’t care about stories. It just exposes limits.
If Ibeabuchi wins, he will fight on. And on. This is the pattern. If it goes wrong, there is no soft landing. Heavyweights don’t get warning losses at this age.
What time is the fight?
Date: December 24th
Start Time: Nigeria 19:00 WAT / USA 13:00 ET / UK 18:00
Streaming Platform: Prizefighting.tv
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
