WBO Junior Flyweight Title Fight
Ivan Calderon (34-0-1, 6 KOs) UD 12 Jesus Iribe (16-7-5, 10 KOs)
Scores: 118-109, 118-109, 116-111
Simply put, I am an unabashed fan of Puerto Rico’s Ivan Calderon. The diminutive junior flyweight champion is the perfect example of the very essence of the “Sweet Science”; he is a master of the art of hitting, and not being hit. His elusive style and pure boxing acumen is a requirement given his complete lack of fistic power. In his thirty-five professional fights, Calderon has only scored six knockouts. Yes, you read that correctly, six knockouts. There in lies the beauty of Calderon’s unblemished professional career. Despite having the great equalizer that is concussive power, Calderon beats his opponents with skill, technique, and guile.
But, at the age of 35, Calderon is hitting the point where a fighter of his size and skill set are nearing the tail end of their careers. Calderon seems keenly aware of this fact which is good considering that his last couple of fights has been less than smooth sailing.
Case in point was Saturday night’s title defense against Jesus Iribe at Madison Square Garden. Calderon was dropped in the second round but managed to right the ship in routing Iribe over the duration of the fight. In his prime, Calderon would have won this fight untouched, but at 35, the game is getting harder for the Puerto Rican boxer. It is the reason why Calderon has made clear his intention to retire in one-two years. It’s a sound plan, and as a fan, I hope he sticks to it.
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