Throughout his excellent career, WBO light flyweight champion Ivan Calderon has been facing an uphill battle. The Guaynabo, Puerto Rico native has registered a fine 34-0-1 record yet he has only scored 6 knockouts, a sign of his lack of punching power, and he has found himself relatively looked over by competing in the lower weight divisions throughout his career. Calderon is a well-schooled, beautifully gifted fighter but he simply hasn?t had the exciting style or exposure that would have broken him through the way he hoped. Under the Las Vegas-based Top Rank promotional umbrella, Calderon has had the right opportunities come his way and is still in search of more.
Still, there is much that can be appreciated about Calderon. His highs include competing in the 2000 Olympics in Australia, defending the WBO minimumweight championship eleven times, a remarkable longevity and a style that is absolute class inside the ropes. Though he has begun to slow at the age of 35, Calderon is still looking to add to his resume that has included victories over the likes of Rodel Mayol, Nelson Dieppa, and Hugo Cazares. On tap for Calderon is an August 28th unification bout with once-beaten WBA light flyweight champion Giovanni Segura.
The Calderon-Segura clash takes place in Puerto Rico in Calderon?s native Guayanabo local. Yesterday the soft-spoken fighter toured the city and interacted with his fans in the form of signing autographs, taking pictures and everyday mingling. Puerto Rico has a history of great passion for their champions and in viewing the pictures you can tell how much affinity they have for Calderon. The Segura clash is yet another big step in his career and the support he is receiving will be essential as the bout will take place in the nearby Coliseo Mario ?Quijote? Morales.
For a picture by picture look at Calderon?s tour please check out Ivan Calderon tours Guayanabo, Puerto Rico
Chris Robinson is based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. He can be reached at [email protected]
