by James Slater – It was all supposed to be much different. Last night, in Hollywood Florida, at The Hard Rock, Elijah McCall, son of former WBC heavyweight champion Oliver, was all set to share the card with his father. But, as we now know, the 44-year-old “Atomic Bull” got himself arrested at the weekend, for three drugs related charges (see article a few scrolls down).
With his father off the card, it was left to 21-year-old Elijah to keep the McCall fighting spirit going. Unfortunately, yet more bad luck arrived for the McCalls, as the unbeaten prospect was KO’d in the 4th-round by little-known Haitian, Dieuly Aristilde.. Counted out at the one minute and 18-second mark of the 4th-round, McCall fell to 4-1-1(4). 33-year-old Aristilde, who now lives in Florida, improved his stats to 7-1(1) – the McCall KO being the first he has ever scored in the pro ranks.
Without a doubt, Elijah is sure to say the distractions he was suffering from due to what had happened to his father were at least partly responsible for the upset loss; and McCall may have a point. How could we not expect the 21-year-old to be affected by the weekend’s terrible news? It remains to be seen if Elijah can bounce back when his mind is in a better place, but this has been some bad few days for the fighting duo from the U.S, that’s for sure.
Young McCall had no amateur career, and he had been matched safe upon turning pro back in June of 2008. Despite this cautious match-making, however, he was held to a draw in his third fight, by Alavaro Morales. Now, having been KO’d, the question fans had about whether or not Oliver’s son could follow him to the very top of the heavyweight division ,may have been answered in the negative. It is still very early days in Elijah’s career, though, and, as said, the distractions he no doubt had last night cannot be held against him.
McCall senior, in one of the interviews he was kind enough to give me, spoke of how it was his and Elijah’s dream to see his son follow him and become WBC heavyweight champion. one day. It could still happen, but the odds sure are against it.
As for Oliver, his own career seems to be over, and it remains to be seen if he will face a long term jail sentence for his weekend of misdemeanours. Best wishes go out to both men.