The Return of Ike Ibeabuchi
The highly anticipated return of boxer Ike Ibeabuchi has led to an overwhelming surge in pay-per-view (PPV) purchases, so much so that the system used by the event’s broadcaster, Prizefighting.tv, experienced significant operational issues due to the unprecedented demand.
Operational Issues Due to Demand
In an exclusive statement to World Boxing News, promoters disclosed that the increase in orders was so drastic that their payment processing system mistook the volume of transactions for potential fraud, thereby temporarily halting the flow of purchases.
“The request for PPV access surged to levels we never imagined. Payment processors reported this level of activity, occurring within a short timeframe from all corners of the globe, as suspicious. Normally, most buyers tend to make their purchases shortly before the event begins, but this time was very different.”
They continued,
“While we expected a high level of interest, the reality exceeded our expectations by a considerable margin. We’re taking steps to ensure we’re ready for future events.”
Ibeabuchi’s Comeback
Ibeabuchi, known as one of boxing’s most polarizing figures, made a stunning comeback in the ring after more than 20 years. He quickly dispatched cruiserweight opponent Idris Afinni in just three rounds, creating waves and prompting him to challenge current champion Oleksandr Usyk shortly after.
The fact that his return generated enough interest to disrupt a global payment processing system highlights the significant fascination fans have for Ibeabuchi, setting the stage for notable anticipation for his next fight. It has been reported that he is eager to arrange his next match and is acutely aware that time is not on his side.
Future Improvements
Despite the chaos that ensued for fans trying to access the PPV on fight night, the broadcaster has assured viewers that it is enhancing its systems to prevent a repeat of the incident. For a fighter who last competed in the 1990s, the demand generated by Ibeabuchi’s name illustrates how much of an impact he still has on the boxing scene in 2025, perhaps surpassing even the expectations of those involved in his promotion.
