By James Slater: Despite being 46-years-old, former World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight king Oliver McCall remains a rough and tough customer. Last night in Houston, Texas, in a must-win fight, “The Atomic Bull” proved too strong, too powerful and too determined for 31-year-old Damian “Bolo” Wills.
McCall, who landed plenty of hurt on Wills, opening cuts around both eyes, won by scores of 97-93, 97-93 and 96-94. Now 56-11(37) McCall is hungry for bigger fights. Wills, once a promising prospect, is now 30-3-1(23).
McCall, who came in at a solid-looking 248-pounds, had to cope with the hand speed of his young adversary in the early going, before the slightly fleshy Wills slowed down and began to get worked over. McCall’s educated left jab proved to be a key weapon and his inside work was effective also. McCall, from the 4th-round on, was the man putting the pressure on, making the fight. Wills hung tough but he had to know he was losing the rounds. Despite this, the McCall team were concerned the local man would get the decision when it was over.
“Oliver won seven rounds. I was a little worried about a robbery, but it didn’t happen,” McCall’s trainer, Ricky Fisler said to doghouse boxing.com.
The right man definitely won, and now the Chicago warrior is on the look out for further big fights. There has been talk of a clash with Kali Meehan in Australia, but Fisler also issued challenges to contenders Odlanier Solis and Chris Arreola (who has a stoppage win over Wills).
“We’re flying to Australia next and that fight (with Meehan) will put Oliver back in the top-ten,” Fisler said. “ Kali Meehan will not be able to withstand Oliver’s pressure. I’d like to put a challenge out for anyone in the top-ten, including Odlanier Solis and Chris Arreola.”
For his part, last night’s winner said he hopes to get his weight down “to the 230s” and make sure he is ready for the Meehan fight. Can McCall keep his momentum going by picking up a win in Australia? I wouldn’t bet against it. Neither would Damian Wills.
As for McCall Vs. either Solis or Arreola – why not? McCall has yet to be stopped, he can still fight hard for a full ten rounds and he gives the fans value for money. “The Atomic Bull” is far from done yet.