Oliver McCall has been defended for fighting at 59, as Mike Tyson faced criticism for his November bout with Jake Paul over his age.

Tyson went to-toe-toe with the ‘Problem Child’ at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on November 15, where he was bested over the course of eight rounds via unanimous decision – looking slow and sluggish compared to his former self during the bout. However, given his age of 58, and his absence from the ring in a professional capacity since 2005, fans were hardly surprised that Paul achieved victory over the former WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight champion.

YouTuber-turned-pugilist Paul looked far fresher during the fight – also unsurprising given that he is 31 years Tyson’s junior – notching his professional record up to 11-1 with the victory. However, McCall failed to receive the same levels of criticism as Tyson four days later, when he entered the ring at the Texas Troubadour Theatre under the Country Box banner a year older than his fellow pugilist, to take on Stacy Frazier, 54.

McCall had already knocked his opponent down twice in the fight when he finished him with a clubbing right hand with 25 seconds left on the clock in the second round, to bolster his own individual record to 60-14-2(No Contest) with a TKO. And while many fans have questioned how boxers in their elder years are still being granted licenses despite concerns over their safety, director of communications for the Tennessee Athletic Commission, Kevin Walters, recently explained how a decision is made on granting a combatant permission to fight.

Speaking to World Boxing News, Walters explained: “By law, any combatant who is over 35 years of age undergoes additional neurological testing prior to being approved for an initial or renewed license. All applications are reviewed in accordance with Tennessee laws and regulations.”

And it appears as though McCall isn’t finished with fighting after his recent win over Frazier either – immediately calling out Paul in his post-fight interview. Speaking in the ring, he explained: “I’m going to lose about 10 more pounds and I’m ready for anybody. Oh, I’ll knock Jake Paul out.”

Oliver McCall fought four days after Mike Tyson in November

Oliver McCall fought four days after Mike Tyson in November

He added: “I want to get revenge for Nate Robinson and then Mike Tyson, for what he done with Mike Tyson. That would be awesome,” while also calling out Jake’s brother, Logan Paul – whom he thought was the man who knocked out NBA star Robison, when it was in fact Jake.

After making his professional boxing debut in November 1985, McCall built a record of 24-5 before his shock TKO win over Lennox Lewis to win the WBC heavyweight title in September 1994 – a belt he was only able to defend once before losing to Frank Bruno almost a year to the day later.

Despite his age, McCall has showed no signs of slowing down in the boxing realm just yet, scheduled to fight 3-4 Gary Cobia come January 21 in Nashville. However, he could see the fight cancelled or end up facing a completely different opponent, given Walters has explained that Cobia is yet to submit a request to the Commission for the bout.

Walters added: “The Commission’s staff reviews all applications for licenses and permits. Combatants who are thirty-five years of age or older submit to additional neurological testing to obtain or renew a license. If an individual qualifies for a permit, the Commission may approve the application.

“Gary Cobia has not yet applied for a license. If he submits an application for a license, the Commission’s staff will review the relevant information, documents, and any suspension statuses.”