‘The last thing a fighter loses is his punch”–Anonymous
Oleg “The Big O” Maskaev (39-7) was last seen beating aged and totally shot Danny William (44-18) by UD in 2013. Each of the O’s losses have come by stoppage—some very malevolent. The fact is, he has no chin but he does have heavy hands and his career defining wins have both been over Hasim “The Rock” Rahman, the first in 1999 and then in 2006 (when he was awarded the Ring magazine ‘Comeback of the Year’.
The former WBC heavyweight champ, 48, has now announced he has not yet retired and is looking for the right return fight.
“I don’t plan to retire yet,” he recently said in an interview. “I keep in shape and spar in the gym. If we come to an agreement with a promoter, I will fight in the spring.”
Maskaev has won his last three bouts against limited opposition, but was stopped by useful stepping stone Nagy “Dominican Dynamite’ Aguilera in 2009.
Oleg’s real name is Олег Александрович Маскаев and he was born in Kazakhstan of Russian parents. Amazingly, he holds a win over former heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko when the two met as amateurs. He is likable and articulate, but this will not help him if he fights anyone who can fight back. Oleg was unable to take out Danny William and that signals that he should never ever fight again.
Oleg has lost his punch. He has nothing left.
EZ E says
Teddy, These types of comebacks have sadly become “the norm” these days. George Foreman’s well documented ‘success story’ did some fighters plenty good and some not any good at all. Many of them that will ultimately feel & suffer the unhealthy results of these daring comebacks, whether they pocket some very needed finances or not. At their ages their heads and bodies shouldn’t/aren’t supposed to take anymore punishment. For some, whatever is left of their senses & health in general is barely dangling on very thin string. No, Foreman wasn’t the first 45+ fighter to return, it’s a practice that’s centuries old, but nothing like this day and age, or I don’t believe so. Without a doubt Foreman was a major influence to these ‘ring returns’, and the beat goes on.
throughout the years I’ve seen many fighters attempt comebacks. Some have given up after losing their disastrous initial return, while others have won a few ‘gimmie’ fights and then failed miserably and give up after losing to some fairly decent prospect. One I know gave up in a couple of weeks after sparring a couple of rounds with an energetic so-so talented novice. He said, “I wanted to get back so fking bad, I love the smell of the gym and dressing rooms. But.. my body wants no part of it anymore, there’s nothing I can do.”
Oh well… To each his own. They all have a right to try but that doesn’t mean they actually should.
Kid says
I plan to write something based on your post.
EZ E says
WOW BLAST, that’s come as quite a compliment!!