Heavyweight Ibekwe joins Scott’s big bill!

Simon Ibekwe…looking for sixth win in Cannock. Picture: Inga Zulyte

HEAVYWEIGHT hope Simon Ibekwe has been added to the huge September 13 title show at Chase Leisure Centre, Cannock.

That makes it 12 bouts on the night.

It’s the Redditch fighter’s second outing with Brighton’s former British heavyweight champ Scott Welch at the helm. Last month the 29-year-old peeled off his fifth straight win, outscoring Will Howe in Sheffield.

Simon – deeply religious - hails from north London, but moved to Redditch with his partner in 2020.

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.

When he “turned over” in 2023, Ibekwe told me: “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.”

Scott Murray’s September 13 show at the leisure centre has turned into something of a boxing extravaganza. It’s brimming with title action and topped by British, European and world champ Sam Eggington. English super-bantam boss Nyall Berry also boxes.

An opponent is yet to be named for Stourbridge light-middle Sam, but Scott said an announcement is expected within days.

In Midlands title action, Nuneaton’s Minaaz Gurung will face Joe Underwood Hughes for the super-lightweight belt. Cannock’s Ollie Cooper puts his super-middleweight title on the line against Tom Ramsden from Grimsby.

If a suitable opponent can be found, Leicester’s Tyler Rivers will fight for the vacant welter area title.

American KO specialist Craig Parker – a cruiser who has won all 20 contests inside distance – makes his debut on the bill.