Oliver McCall Appreciation Thread

I feel a kinship with McCall both of us having cried in the ring.

 

Paging Dr. Frankenfrank, Dr. Frankenfrank.....

 

I say top 50.. McCall was very big, very durable, and could hit. Unfortunately he didn't have the instincts of a fighter, and could " opt out " of the action at times. His troubles outside the ring also derailed his momentium.

McCall had Bruno very tired, but did not press it. He almost let an older Holmes out box him.


McCall is known for an iron chin, and was never floored his career. Its iron for sure, but somehow Bruce Seldon once had him in a lot of trouble. McCall says Bert Cooper hit him the hardest. While McCall is remembered best for his sudden upset over Lewis, he actually beat a few ranked contenders too. As such I think top 50 for him is fine.

[url]http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=451&cat=boxer[/url]

 

I think Frank has a masters in mathematics not a doctorate...

 

Best ever for chin. He has that going for him. Do you think Wlad would stop him if they fought tomorrow? I don't know.

 

I thought he was an English professor.:huh

 

I swear to god I sit here, 45 years old, and honestly envision that stupid pirhana talking in Frank's pseudo-English-troll speak, rationalizing how McCall was the greatest heavyweight ever. I am ashamed.

 

Maskaev had something like 5 fights when he lost to McCall. That win was meaningless. Ferguson was nothing special. The Akinwande win was good, and an upset to boot. Ive never really understood the Damiani love. I dunno. I think McCall was pretty ordinary. He had some gifts, namely durability and decent power but he could never bring them all together and like a lot of guys who get a rep for being durable he would basically shut down when stung, cover up, and just look to finish. In my opinion this has often been mistaken for him (along with other so called iron chinned fighters) not being active enough.

 

If I had to compare him to a heavyweight of the past I'd probably say he is a lot like Turkey Thompson. Both were strong and durable and a tough night for anyone.

 

I researched Thompson once. He was floored more than you think, but very game. A bit opposite of McCall

 

Would probably be ranked in the bottom part of the top 50 alll time great heavies. Strong,durable and could bang a bit. That's about all.

 

He was a solid rock. A sparring partner, a shock absorber. Strong mofo, decent punch, granite chin. Lacked skills, lacked heart. Liked crack cocaine.