Ibekwe believes he’s destined for stardom

Simon Ibekwe with manager Anthony Manning

REDDITCH heavyweight Simon Ibekwe believes he is destined for very big nights and very big fights.

The 28-year-old is sure he’ll follow in the footsteps of British superstars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

At present, however, Ibekwe, who moved here from north London four years ago, is learning his craft in pro boxing’s basement.

On manager Anthony Manning’s show at the Eastside Rooms, Ibekwe made it three wins on the spin by halting Darren Sealy in the fourth and final round.

Sealy, from Croydon, hadn’t been down, but was wobbled in the second and third before a mighty overhand right turned his legs to boiled spaghetti.

Referee Ryan Churchill wisely called a halt after 57 seconds of the fateful round.

In truth, Sealy looked nailed on to leave the show with another “L” on his record.

The 32-year-old had lost his only other pro bout on points, but has served as sparring partner for Britain’s very best heavyweight. We’re talking Joshua and Fury.

Ibekwe is brave and can bang. Better men than Sealy will tell us if Simon’s locker possesses the tools to take him to the lofty heights he insists beckon.

To date, it’s been a frustrating journey for reasons beyond his control. His last two opponents pulled out at short notice – one in a bizarre, on-the-night wrangle over gloves.

Sealy represented Ibekwe’s first test since September and he wasted no time letting the big punches go.

“The opponent I had was durable and experienced,” said Ibekwe, “but if I let my shots go and created the distance, I was sure I would cause some damage.

“I wobbled him in the second and third and when he wobbled in the second I thought that was it.

“I had time to show my skills. I thought in the fourth I’d step it up. I caught him with a hook to the head and, rather than rush it, picked my shots.”

Sealy was worked to body and head before shipping the final big right hand. He took it, but when referee Churchill prised the fighters apart he lurched drunkenly.

“My last two fights did not go through,” said Ibekwe. “I finally had the chance to show what I’ve been doing behind closed doors. It was more like retribution, this fight. That was why I was so excited, it felt like a debut.”

Ibekwe believes he is going all the way.

“I see no limits,” he added matter-of-factly. “I know for a fact I’m one of the best in the UK and I’ll go as far as I can push myself.

“I’ve had three fights and I have a lot more to show. The better the opponent, the more you’ll see. The only realistic goal I’ve set myself is to being in big nights and big fights.”