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By Cliff Rold - It’s never a good sign when a fighter’s best wins over a pair of years come not in his own bouts but in the bouts of rivals. World Jr. Flyweight king Ivan Calderon has been the rare exception. It’s not hard to make a case for the miniature boxing marvel as still, even at 35, as among the best fighters in the world.
It has, though, become harder.
This Saturday, Calderon returns from almost nine months off for a bout with journeyman Jesus Iribe (16-6-5, 10 KO). If he wins, he’s headed for a mandatory against Filipino Johnriel Casimero (14-0, 8 KO). While men like Fernando Montiel, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, and Sergio Martinez are fighting notable fights against well received challenges, a Calderon who belongs with them in terms of displayed career talent is clearly leaps behind them in foes.
It wasn’t the same problem a few years ago. Jr. Flyweight was never going to provide the platforms those larger men have found, but it did provide a serious rival to push him.
In 2007, the 2000 Puerto Rican Olympian Calderon rose from a lengthy run as WBO titlist at 105 lbs. to capture the 108 lb. honors from Mexico’s Hugo Cazares. It was, and remains, his defining performance. [Click Here To Read More]
It has, though, become harder.
This Saturday, Calderon returns from almost nine months off for a bout with journeyman Jesus Iribe (16-6-5, 10 KO). If he wins, he’s headed for a mandatory against Filipino Johnriel Casimero (14-0, 8 KO). While men like Fernando Montiel, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, and Sergio Martinez are fighting notable fights against well received challenges, a Calderon who belongs with them in terms of displayed career talent is clearly leaps behind them in foes.
It wasn’t the same problem a few years ago. Jr. Flyweight was never going to provide the platforms those larger men have found, but it did provide a serious rival to push him.
In 2007, the 2000 Puerto Rican Olympian Calderon rose from a lengthy run as WBO titlist at 105 lbs. to capture the 108 lb. honors from Mexico’s Hugo Cazares. It was, and remains, his defining performance. [Click Here To Read More]
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