Old Heavyweights Never Really Retire ...
This past weekend, 41-year-old Andrew Golota was TKO'd in five rounds by Tomasz Adamek, who moved up from cruiserweight for the big fight in Lodz, Poland. Golota has now dropped four of his last seven bouts - including three stoppages - but is unlikely to retire.
Elsewhere, Oliver McCall, 44, scored a ten-round unanimous decision over Lance Whitaker, 37 in Las Vegas, and Frans Botha, 41, fought to a majority draw against Pedro Carrion, 39, in Dessau, Germany.
43-year-old "King of the Four Rounders", Eric "Butterbean" Esch, recently returned to the ring after more than two-and-a-half years and lost a four-round split decision to 46-year-old Harry Funmaker, who hadn't fought in nearly four years! After the bout, Butterbean announced his retirement. Don't believe it ...
Other past-their-prime heavyweights preparing for upcoming bouts include John Ruiz (37), Hasim Rahman (36), Michael Grant (37) and Oleg Maskaev (40). See complete schedule for details.
Comments
The “return” of these old battleships, long past their prime shows the real lack of talent in the division. At least Lance is not “Goofy” any more, but he should stop. The real “old” (but not so old) talent waiting in the wings who just might make a real impression is David Tua. Let’s see him in more fights and on TV and a real match might be cooking for the title. On a good day, and with a little luck, Tua can beat anyone, no matter how big. He is tough, smart and had knockout power in either hand.
Those guys still fighting in there old age,well Holyfield still want to boxed,he should fight those guys.
I know Evander needs to fight because it is the only way he can make money and he seeems to be in a terrible financial mess. But, what good will money do if he gets seriously injured beyond what he is now? He has taken so many shots, especially to the head that he really should be refused a license to fight for his own good.
It seems fans of individual fighters think somehow the magic will return for one night. When I was younger I felt that way about Ali right up to the end. My silly fantasy and others allowed Ali to stay too long at the fair and look what has been done. I for one wish the “powers that be” would not allow this type of entertainment if you can call it that. When does it start to be abuse and over the line?