By James Slater: It seems 41-year-old Kali Meehan plans on fighting on the senior circuit from now on. Having recently won the lightly regarded WBF belt with an easy-looking win over the little-known, novice-like Michael Kirby, the New Zealander is now hoping to land back-to-back fights with fellow veterans Oliver McCall (45) and David Tua (38).
According to a report on stuff.co.nz, Meehan, 38-4(31), likes the idea of taking on the former WBC heavyweight champ and then, in what would be a big fight for New Zealand, Tua. Many fans have grown tired of ageing heavyweights sticking around trying to get fights, but at least Meehan is aiming for realistic-looking match-ups. And to some, Meehan-McCall and Meehan-Tua would prove interesting.
Meehan has long since wanted a fight with Samoan slugger Tua. While a fight between the former WBO title challenger and “The Atomic Bull” is a fight that also proves exciting to him. Tua must first get past 40-year-old New Yorker Monte Barrett – in an August 13th return of last year’s draw – before he can afford to look Meehan’s way. While the never-stopped McCall is in line to face fellow oldie “Smokin’” Bert Cooper, in a fight he should be able to win, on July 16th.
Tua recently said that if he cannot beat “Two Gunz” this time around he may well retire. Barrett shocked Tua last July, becoming the first man to deck him on the way to a controversial draw. But now, in light of how faded Barrett appeared in his following fight with Charles Davis (another draw), most fans expect Tua to do a number on Monte this time around. But will Tua be interested in a showdown with Meehan? McCall might well be tempted to box in New Zealand against Meehan, but Tua is hoping for a final crack at a major title before his colourful career comes to an end.
It all depends on the Barrett fight, but if Tua does score an emphatic KO win on August 13th, chances are he will look to get himself a big fight. Still a big name, far bigger than Meehan, Tua can attract a significant audience in the U.S. I feel Meehan has a far better chance of getting a fight with McCall. But having said that, I wouldn’t necessarily make him a favourite to get a win over the durable old warhorse!