Boxer Ibeabuchi gets 5-30 years in prison

Kim Smith

Friday, Jan. 25, 2002 | 9:44 a.m.

District Judge Joseph Bonaventure on Thursday sentenced heavyweight boxer Ikemefula Ibeabuchi to five to 30 years in prison after ruling the boxer was competent when he entered into a plea agreement in November.

Ibeabuchi, 29, pleaded the equivalent of "no contest" to battery with intent to commit a crime and attempted sexual assault Nov. 8 in connection with an incident with an outcall dancer at a Strip hotel-casino in July 1999.

When Bonaventure attempted to sentence Ibeabuchi in December, the boxer said the anti-psychotic medication he was taking prevented him from knowing what he was doing.

The judge postponed the sentencing to allow attorneys to respond in writing to Ibeabuchi's allegations. On Thursday, Bonaventure ruled the boxer was competent when he signed the papers.

According to police, Ibeabuchi lured a 21-year-old outcall service employee to his room at the hotel in July 1999, but wouldn't pay the $150 fee for an erotic dance. He then allegedly began to sexually assault her, stopping when her screams drew the attention of a hotel security guard.

Ibeabuchi was charged with kidnapping, assault and battery and multiple sexual assault counts.

The Nigerian was on the verge of getting a heavyweight title fight when he was arrested. He was undefeated at 20-0 with 15 knockouts and had been ranked No. 2 by the IBF.