Latest news with #McCall
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ex-boxing champ Oliver McCall, 60, fights to bizarre draw 31 years after KO of Lennox Lewis
More than three decades after capturing the heavyweight title, Oliver McCall is still competing. McCall, 60, and longtime journeyman Carlos Reyes, 47, fought to a split draw on Tuesday evening in a six-round affair at the Texas Troubadour Theatre in Nashville, Tennessee. Reyes (7-17-3, 5 KOs) entered the night on a 13-fight winless streak that stretched all the way back to 2015, however a late surge earned him the draw (58-56, 56-58, 57-57) against the former heavyweight champion. Advertisement McCall (61-14-1, 40 KOs) is best known for his 1994 second-round upset knockout over then-WBC heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis. McCall dropped out of the heavyweight title picture after his infamous 1997 rematch with Lewis, wherein McCall suffered a mental breakdown mid-fight, refusing to engage with Lewis and even turning his back and walking away from the action on multiple occasions. Referee Mills Lane eventually stopped a tearful McCall in the fifth round, awarding Lewis a TKO victory. Despite that bizarre setback, McCall continued to make frequent in-ring appearances for the next 17 years until hanging up the gloves for the first time in 2014 at the age of 49. His retirement lasted just four years, though, and McCall made an under-the-radar comeback in 2018, beating Larry Knight. He then proceeded to stop Hugo Lomeli before taking another five-year absence from the sport. Advertisement But at 59 years old, McCall announced he was making a second comeback this past November — the same month as Jake Paul's heavily-scrutinized fight with 58-year-old Mike Tyson. McCall recorded two inside-the-distance victories over Stacy Frazier and Gary Cobia in his second comeback, but on Tuesday night, he didn't have it all his own way for the first time in more than a decade. McCall started the contest aggressively, landing short uppercuts on the inside and heavy straight punches at long range on a cagey Reyes in the opening round. Reyes was more active in the first minute of Round 2, pushing McCall back but having little success in terms of scoring punches. McCall connected with a left uppercut just before the halfway point of Round 2 and ended the stanza with a clean right hook. After being outworked for much of the third round, McCall buzzed Reyes with a counter right hand in the final 20 seconds. Reyes continued to pressure McCall in Round 4, but again it was McCall who connected with the more eye-catching punches — albeit there were fewer of them. Advertisement There was some confusion in McCall's corner before the fifth round, with his corner team asking the timekeeper which round was coming up. McCall's team seemed unaware that the contest was scheduled for six rounds rather than four rounds. Bizarrely, in the final two frames, McCall seldom threw a punch. The former heavyweight champion appeared heavily fatigued and chose to move around the ring with a high guard, aiming to see the final bell. McCall's earlier efforts, however, were enough to earn him a draw in the eyes of the three scoring judges. Former two-time heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs was ringside for the contest, with the Triller TV commentary team suggesting a McCall vs. Briggs showdown could be in play for later in 2025. Briggs, 53, will end a nine-year hiatus on July 1. Briggs and McCall's fights are being promoted by Jimmy Adams Promotions and hosted in the same Nashville venue just a few weeks apart.
France 24
3 days ago
- Sport
- France 24
McCall hints at Farrell return to Saracens
Farrell has experienced a disappointing debut season with French club Racing 92, sparking reports he wants to move back to the English Premiership by ending his contract a year early. Saracens are permitted to bring in a reinforcement to fill the gap created in the squad by Alex Lozowski's Achilles injury, which will sideline him until Christmas. That raises the prospect of Farrell rejoining his only English club, although McCall admitted there are several hurdles to be navigated before a deal could be completed. The 33-year-old, plagued by a groin injury this season, has to be paid the same as Lozowski and Saracens must reach agreement with Racing 92 over a transfer fee. "We think we're a bit vulnerable at 10," said McCall, whose side failed to qualify for the Premiership play-offs despite a 36-26 victory over Bath on Saturday. "The way the process works is you compile a list of people you think might be suitable. "Owen wasn't on the list because he's under contract with Racing, but there are some noises that Racing might be prepared to look at that and he might be prepared to look at that as well. "A couple of things have to happen. One, Racing have to let him go and they've got to let him go for a price which a club is willing to pay. And secondly he's got to accept a salary which is less than he's on. "If Owen comes on to the list, he looks like a pretty good option on the list because of the value for money that he would bring." Farrell spent 16 years at Saracens before heading to France in 2024. McCall believes England's record points scorer, who has played 112 times for his country, would provide a vital service by helping develop Saracens' young fly-halves Fergus Burke and Louie Johnson. "It's not just about having talent, it's about being able to think properly on the field. Owen's obviously one of the best at that," McCall said. "Owen and Louis Johnson in particular have a very strong relationship already. They talk every month at least.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
Woodhill Forest Gears Up For Iconic Off-Road Racing Showdown
Press Release – Auckland Offroad Racing Club AUCKLAND, NZ – The rugged trails and sand tracks of Woodhill Forest will thunder to life this Sunday, 1 June, as the fifth round of the 2025 New Zealand Offroad Racing Championship rolls into action. Hosted by the Auckland Offroad Racing Club, the event will bring together the North Island's top off-road racers for a day of high-octane endurance and skill in one of the most celebrated fixtures on the national offroad racing calendar – the Landscape Yard Woodhill 100. Now in its fifth round of a six-round national series, the championship sees drivers accumulate points across three of six regional rounds – three held in the North Island and three in the South. The top contenders will ultimately face off for national honours at the Championship Final, held at TECT Park, Bay of Plenty, over Labour Weekend. This weekend's event is more than just a race. The Woodhill 100 is New Zealand's longest-running one-day off-road endurance race, tracing its origins back over four decades. Held in the dense and unpredictable terrain of Woodhill Forest, northwest of Auckland, the race is regarded as a cornerstone of the sport. Competitors must complete 160 km of punishing track, navigating multiple laps of shifting sand and treacherous gravel in a test of mechanical durability, physical resilience, and raw speed. The race attracts an elite field of purpose-built vehicles, from unlimited-horsepower Pro1 race cars to mighty Thunder-trucks. For most, it's a quest for championship points. For a few, it's about glory—winning outright and claiming a place in the storied history of this prestigious event. Among those chasing legend is six-time Woodhill 100 winner Tony McCall. Known for his relentless driving style and fierce competitiveness, McCall's decades-long rivalry with fellow six-time winner Ian Foster has become the stuff of off-road folklore. Now, McCall returns to Woodhill chasing a record-breaking seventh title—one that would place him alone at the top of the all-time leaderboard. 'It's not just another race,' says race organiser, Donn Attwood. 'For racers like Tony, it's personal. It's obsession. Winning the Woodhill defines their careers.' Also returning is #193 Daynom Templeman, who clinched his third Woodhill title in 2023 and is known for treating the grueling 160 km like a sprint. With cars pushing upwards of 700 horsepower, competitors must fine-tune their machines for the punishing dual nature of sand and gravel. Sand destroys drivetrains; gravel demands razor-sharp handling and braking, especially on the infamous Coast Road – a 4km straight that ends in a high-speed right-angle turn. Keeping your head while all others are losing theirs helps a lot, but also the Mechanical attrition is brutal—only half the starters finished in 2024. Preparation is paramount. Qualifying, too, is critical. Last year, McCall (#157) claimed pole position after laying down the fastest time from the eighth qualifying run. Before the main event, spectators will be treated to the Landscape Yard Junior Enduro – a 30-minute timed battle on a shortened junior circuit. With the crowd lining the track and roaring support, New Zealand's youngest off-road racers will demonstrate their emerging talent, pushing KiwiTrucks to the limit in an all-out sprint that is as thrilling as the main race itself. The Auckland Offroad Racing Club, formed through the merger of the Auckland Buggy Club and Western District Offroad Racing Club, continues to build on a proud legacy. The ABC was born in the Muriwai dunes and was known for its legendary sand enduros, while WDORC created the original Woodhill 100, a race that remains the crown jewel of the championship calendar. The Woodhill 100 is more than a race—it's a proving ground, a tradition, and a rite of passage for those who dare to conquer it.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
Woodhill Forest Gears Up For Iconic Off-Road Racing Showdown
AUCKLAND, NZ – The rugged trails and sand tracks of Woodhill Forest will thunder to life this Sunday, 1 June, as the fifth round of the 2025 New Zealand Offroad Racing Championship rolls into action. Hosted by the Auckland Offroad Racing Club, the event will bring together the North Island's top off-road racers for a day of high-octane endurance and skill in one of the most celebrated fixtures on the national offroad racing calendar – the Landscape Yard Woodhill 100. Now in its fifth round of a six-round national series, the championship sees drivers accumulate points across three of six regional rounds – three held in the North Island and three in the South. The top contenders will ultimately face off for national honours at the Championship Final, held at TECT Park, Bay of Plenty, over Labour Weekend. This weekend's event is more than just a race. The Woodhill 100 is New Zealand's longest-running one-day off-road endurance race, tracing its origins back over four decades. Held in the dense and unpredictable terrain of Woodhill Forest, northwest of Auckland, the race is regarded as a cornerstone of the sport. Competitors must complete 160 km of punishing track, navigating multiple laps of shifting sand and treacherous gravel in a test of mechanical durability, physical resilience, and raw speed. The race attracts an elite field of purpose-built vehicles, from unlimited-horsepower Pro1 race cars to mighty Thunder-trucks. For most, it's a quest for championship points. For a few, it's about glory—winning outright and claiming a place in the storied history of this prestigious event. Among those chasing legend is six-time Woodhill 100 winner Tony McCall. Known for his relentless driving style and fierce competitiveness, McCall's decades-long rivalry with fellow six-time winner Ian Foster has become the stuff of off-road folklore. Now, McCall returns to Woodhill chasing a record-breaking seventh title—one that would place him alone at the top of the all-time leaderboard. 'It's not just another race,' says race organiser, Donn Attwood. 'For racers like Tony, it's personal. It's obsession. Winning the Woodhill defines their careers.' Also returning is #193 Daynom Templeman, who clinched his third Woodhill title in 2023 and is known for treating the grueling 160 km like a sprint. With cars pushing upwards of 700 horsepower, competitors must fine-tune their machines for the punishing dual nature of sand and gravel. Sand destroys drivetrains; gravel demands razor-sharp handling and braking, especially on the infamous Coast Road – a 4km straight that ends in a high-speed right-angle turn. Keeping your head while all others are losing theirs helps a lot, but also the Mechanical attrition is brutal—only half the starters finished in 2024. Preparation is paramount. Qualifying, too, is critical. Last year, McCall (#157) claimed pole position after laying down the fastest time from the eighth qualifying run. Before the main event, spectators will be treated to the Landscape Yard Junior Enduro – a 30-minute timed battle on a shortened junior circuit. With the crowd lining the track and roaring support, New Zealand's youngest off-road racers will demonstrate their emerging talent, pushing KiwiTrucks to the limit in an all-out sprint that is as thrilling as the main race itself. The Auckland Offroad Racing Club, formed through the merger of the Auckland Buggy Club and Western District Offroad Racing Club, continues to build on a proud legacy. The ABC was born in the Muriwai dunes and was known for its legendary sand enduros, while WDORC created the original Woodhill 100, a race that remains the crown jewel of the championship calendar. The Woodhill 100 is more than a race—it's a proving ground, a tradition, and a rite of passage for those who dare to conquer it.
Irish Examiner
7 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Saracens boss declines to comment as Owen Farrell linked to Premiership return
Saracens boss Mark McCall declined to comment on reports that former club captain and England fly-half Owen Farrell could be eyeing a Gallagher Premiership return. Farrell left Saracens at the end of last season following a 16-year stint with the Premiership club. He moved to France and Paris-based Racing 92, but it has proved a testing campaign for him in terms of injuries, while head coach Stuart Lancaster left the Top 14 outfit in January. Owen Farrell waved goodbye to Saracens last year (Nigel French/PA) Asked by reporters about any possible Saracens return, rugby director McCall said: 'It's just not worth answering, to be honest, because as far as I know he is under contract at Racing and has a year left. 'There are so many of these stories that come out. As you know from me down the years, there is no point talking about something that is so pie in the sky. It's better for me not to comment.' McCall did say that he would be surprised if 33-year-old Farrell's rugby future did not lie in coaching. Saracens themselves are close to appointing a new attack specialist after Kevin Sorrell announced he would leaving the club when the current campaign finishes. And while McCall said Farrell had not been interviewed for that post, he sees clear coaching credentials in the 112 times-capped ex-England skipper. I can tell you it won't be him who will be our next attack coach. He hasn't been interviewed 'I would be very surprised if he didn't commit to coaching, to be honest,' McCall added. 'Rugby is in his skin. He has got a great IQ and a passion and love for it, like his dad (Andy Farrell). I would be absolutely amazed if that wasn't what he wanted to do. 'But I can tell you it won't be him who will be our next attack coach. He hasn't been interviewed. He is a player for now, and has 14 months left on his contract with Racing.'
