Heavyweight Ibekwe is set to make debut

Simon Ibekwe…fighter who has moved from north London to Redditch

ON the June 23 show at Birmingham’s Eastside Rooms, titled Nxt Gen, a next generation heavyweight makes his bow.

Simon Ibekwe, hails from north London, but moved to Redditch with his partner in 2020. The 27-year-old is being trained in the professional ranks by Malcolm Melvin.

An opponent has yet to be named for Ibekwe’s bow, but he’s certainly been aided by top class sparring. He’s shared the ring with English champ Solomon Dacres among other top heavies.

And Ibekwe, who, by day, provides pastoral care at a special needs school, certainly has the amateur pedigree to do well.

After moving to the West Midlands, he won the Midlands championships with Redditch’s Studio ABC. In a 22 bout unpaid career, he also gained the East Mids Cup and London titles.

Ibekwe, who aims to make his debut at around 17 stone, said: “It felt like turning pro was the best shot for me, the right time for me. I’d found a good coach in Malcolm and I think my style is more a pro style. There’s no time like the present. The pros are more about thinking and setting traps, that’s what I’ve been learning.

“I feel I’ve got the skills and the skills and footwork I’ve got is unusual for a heavyweight. There’s also power and unconventional shots. I feel I can go English, British level, definitely. I feel I can get as far as I want to achieve.”

The father-of-one appears to have adapted well to the pro regime – and praised trainer Melvin’s input.

“As a fighter, it’s good to feel uncomfortable, to have someone pushing you. There will be nerves on my debut, but in boxing there are good nerves and bad nerves.”

It’s down to Melvin to ensure the good nerves surface on June 23.