A man who fought and beat Lennox Lewis over 30 years ago is still competing and is back in action on Tuesday.
Lewis is regarded as one of the best heavyweights of all time, but while he may have been retired for over two decades, the same can’t be said for another ex-title holder.
Former WBC heavyweight champion Oliver McCall is the man in question, as the former Lewis rival returns on February 4 in what will be his 77th professional contest.
The 59-year-old from Chicago, Illinois is perhaps best known for his shock defeat of heavyweight legend Lewis back in 1994, knocking out ‘The Lion’ in the second round to capture the WBC title.
McCall would go on to lose his crown two fights later, suffering a decision loss to Britain’s Frank Bruno in September 1995. Lewis then gained revenge on his rival when they met again in 1997, securing a fifth round knockout win.
The career of ‘The Atomic Bull’ has now stretched over three decades, having made his debut way back in 1985. He defeated Stacy Frazier in his first outing since 2019 last November, which was the 60th win of his storied tenure.
McCall will face Gary Cobia on February 4 at the Texas Troubadour Theatre, Nashville. There were initial concerns that Cobia would not be sanctioned to face the 59-year-old, although it has now been revealed that he has obtained a boxing license which allows him to fight in Tennessee.
Speaking to World Boxing News, Cobia expressed his delight in being given the opportunity to face ‘The Atomic Bull’.
“To me, it’s a blessing to step in the ring with somebody I used to watch as a kid and thought of as a hero. I’m going to give it my all. Oliver is more experienced than I, but I have been working on a great boxing strategy. I believe my hand will be raised that night.”
Cobia has had seven professional contests since his debut in 2012, losing on four occasions. His last outing came 10-years ago, suffering a 1st-round knockout defeat to Jesse West in Wendover.
