John Okafor AKA Mr Ibu Was A Boxer Before Joining Nollywood

When you talk about comedy in Nollywood, one of the names that pops up is John Okafor, AKA Mr Ibu – and the reason isn’t far-fetched. He can comfortably get into the shoes of a hilarious character that you’ll find yourself reeling with laughter in a matter of seconds. Given his talent on screen, it’s hard to see Mr Ibu doing anything but acting.

However, in a recent interview the actor revealed another part of him we didn’t know. Speaking with Premium Times, he disclosed he used to be a boxer before joining Nollywood. In fact, his dream was to become a professional boxer until a fight in Delta State which turned out to be his last.

At the championship, Okafor’s opponent beat him up so badly he was unrecognisable coming out of the ring.

In his own words:

“I almost lost an eye because of the punches he dealt me. That was the incident that made me quit boxing.”

From boxing, Okafor coached the national football team of the Actors Guild of Nigeria. And if you’re thinking his involvement in sports ended there, you’re wrong. The 56-year-old also dabbled in karate for 16 years, eventually earning his black belt in 1983. He even taught martial arts at a secondary school in Onitsha!