Wheel of the Tao
by: Richard Baker

Oliver McCall has learned much during his time in boxing. Not just how to improve as a boxer in the ring, but how to improve as a human being outside the ring. His laughing good nature and toothless grin are infectious. Although he suffers occasional bouts of depression, his joyous attitude retaliates like a hard right to the jaw.

At the age of 59 time has been good to him. “There are still a lot of new cats I can beat. Not as many as before, but that makes little difference to me. I enjoy the rigor of training and the competition of fighting. There are enough older guys out there to make some interesting and competitive matches.”

McCall and Chop Chop Corley were at a Chauncy Welliver’s “Spar Wars” event where older and retired former world champions spar with newer boxers over several rounds and offer advice to the younger gladiators. McCall, who still boxes professionally, although mostly sparring sessions, was to face two opponents.

Before the fight he shaved off his gray beard. “I don’t want the kids to think I’m an old man.” He danced around the B&B showing his footwork in an attempt to convince himself he still had plenty of skills. He shadow boxed and slipped imaginary punches.

At his peak, McCall fought against the best including Larry Holmes, Vanqui Diaz, Oleg Mackdev, Bruce Seldon, and Henry Akinwande. He was noted for his rock solid punch and equally solid chin.

McCall is mostly noted for two interesting events, both with Lenox Lewis. Although a 5-1 underdog, he knocked out champion Lenox Lewis in September of 1994 to win the WBC title. During a rematch with Lewis, he had a mental and emotional breakdown wandering aimlessly about the ring and crying. Referee Mills Lane stopped the fight. McCall was taken to the doctors declared him mentally and emotionally incompetent.

For years he has been in and out of drug rehab, incarcerated for disorderly behavior, and fighting mental illness.

The only thing he knows is boxing so he has returned to the ring to participate in sparring sessions.

When he climbed into the ring there was no more rapid footwork and interesting punching. He looked every bit of 59. He plodded about the ring half dragging his feet and standing so stiff and erect a crowbar could not have bent him over. He threw single punches and almost no combinations. During one of the later rounds he never threw a single punch. Fortunately his defensive skill remains intact. Much of the time he spent leaning upon the ropes.

Many older fighters are attempting returns to the ring. There is a place for them like there is a place to see old steam engines in action. You just do not want to count on them to plow your fields.

Let the old guys fight the old guys in sparring exhibitions. Limit the rounds to three or four. It would be an opportunity for fans to witness some of the old time greats with limited possibilities of them getting hurt. Everyone wins.