Oliver McCall, who famously KO'd Lennox Lewis, could wind up facing controversial veteran Ike Ibeabuchi.

McCall is notorious for becoming the first fighter to stop Lewis in 1994 to win the world title, which saw him go on to also fight Larry Holmes and Frank Bruno.

Oliver McCall standing over Lennox Lewis on the canvas
2
McCall is notorious for beating Lewis, and will make his latest bow at the age of 61Credit: GETTY

He has been fighting concerningly well beyond the days of safely being in his physical prime in recent years, despite pleas to stop.

And it appears he could return again, with a plan to fight again on Thanksgiving weekend.

His potential opponent could be controversial Nigerian heavyweight Ibeabuchi, who himself is now 53-years-old.

Ibeabuchi was once touted as a leading contender, having beaten Chris Byrd and David Tua, but faced a raft of legal issues and was imprisoned for 16 years.

The bout is being planned by organisers Prizefighting.tv to take place on November 26.

McCall vs Ibeabuchi to take place on one condition

However, the fight is not yet set entirely in stone, despite arrangements being made.

In a bizarre twist, the pair will only fight if 12,500 fans flock out and buy the pay-per-view in an advance model.

The event can be pre-purchased for a price of $9.95, with the bout to only go ahead if the target is met.

Both fighters have agreed to the bout and target and hope to continue their careers despite resistance from the boxing world.

But with a combined age of 114, many will hope not to see the pair do battle in a dangerous heavyweight collision.

*If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue

Upgrade to DAZN Ultimate from just £24.99/month, guaranteeing access to 185+ fights annually, a minimum of 12 pay-per-views at no extra cost, as well as every Lega Serie A match and other elite football access.

Alternatively, DAZN Standard is just £15.99/month, with the caveat you will have to pay for pay-per-view events.

Why is McCall vs Ibeabuchi happening?

Organisers believe that letting the fans decide is the best way to justify if there is enough demand for the clash.

“We are taking this directly to the fans," both camps said in a joint statement.

"We are in phenomenal shape, still carrying the same tremendous punching power, ready to go, and ready to give the world a hell of a fight.

“You don’t have to wait on network executives or corporate promoters anymore.

"If you want to see two true heavyweight legends go to war, show your appreciation with your wallet.

“It’s $9.95, completely risk-free, and puts the power back where it belongs—with the fans.”

Who is Ike Ibeabuchi?

Ike Ibeabuchi posing during a photoshoot
2
Ibeabuchi is a controversial figure in the sport, but is trying to relaunch his career years on from his primeCredit: Getty

Ibeabuchi may not be as familiar to boxing fans as McCall having not quite risen to the same highs.

The KO artist has just one defeat on his professional record, which came last year against Kabiru Towolawi, after initially returning with a stoppage victory.

He shot to notoriety for his heavyweight skills, and wanted to fight for a world title.

But his plan was thrown into chaos after he took a girl in his hotel room hostage in Las Vegas.

He served a 16-year prison sentence after being charged, and was then deported to Nigeria in 2021.

Despite his age, he has been trying to get his career off the ground ever since.

Topics