Oliver McCall has turned 61 — and is targeting a June 2 return for what would be his 77th professional fight.
Country Box promoter Jimmy Adams confirmed to World Boxing News that a date is now being lined up as the former heavyweight champion continues one of boxing’s longest-running careers.
“We are looking at June 2 for Oliver McCall to get back in the ring,” Adams told WBN.
McCall’s plans to continue were first outlined earlier this year, when his team confirmed that he had no intention of retiring, despite already pushing into his sixties.
Date now being lined up
More than four decades on from his professional debut in 1985, the Chicago native is still pursuing fights, extending a career spanning multiple eras of the heavyweight division.
McCall has remained active into his sixties, fighting multiple times in recent years under the Country Box banner in Nashville.
His most recent bout ended in a six-round draw with Carlos Reyes, following wins over limited opposition that have allowed him to take his record deep into a fifth decade.
The matchmaking has kept the risks low — but it has not removed the broader question of how long it can continue.
Questions remain
McCall, who knocked out Lennox Lewis to win the WBC heavyweight title in 1994, still occupies a unique position in the sport more than thirty years later.
Even his presence in the heavyweight rankings at 60 raised eyebrows earlier this year.
At some point, this stops being about records and longevity and becomes a question for boxing itself.
When does the line get drawn?
More importantly, who draws it?
For now, the decision rests with McCall — and with plans now in place, the veteran heavyweight is preparing to step back into the ring again.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.