Oliver McCall had 2 fights within the past 3 months and is expected to have a bout next month on the 18th (18th of March 2025). He is also the oldest former heavyweight champion to win a fight, winning over 54 Stacy Frazier via 2nd-round TKO. His other opponent, the more decorated 52 year old Gary Cobia did not continue after the first round against McCall. The former frequent sparring partner of Mike Tyson is ranked #37 in BoxRec for American heavyweights and also wants to fight Andy Ruiz Jr to avenge his son (Elijah McCall)'s 3rd-round TKO defeat. It would be interesting to see him v. Mike Tyson or Ike Ibeabuchi. Thoughts?
It would be interesting to see him against Mike Tyson, Ike Ibeabuchi wouldn't be a bad opponent either, fights like this take us back to the 90s, to the golden era of the heavyweight division...
He never really retired. McCall finally stepped away from the sport in 2014, but came back in 2018. Then had another fight in 2019. Returned once again in late 2024, and is now onto his 3rd fight in 4 months. I want to say he is doing this for money, but I think he simply is unable to let go. Whats crazy is that McCall turned 40 way back in 2005. From 2005 to 2018 he fought 23 times, and 2008 was the only year he did not fight.
can’t imagine he’s making much from this. He could probably make just as much (or more) as a trainer for amateurs. Just having held a strap and seemingly still having his marbles means that he’d always have that avenue. I agree with you — he just can’t let go. the strap thing MATTERS for post-career earnings. He’s a former HW champ, with a win over a consensus top 10 ATG. And he’s Mike Tyson’s former sparring partner. There will always be young men willing to pay for him to train them, due to that.
