By Ike Enwereuzor

Undefeated WBO mini-flyweight world champion Ivan "Iron Boy" Calderon (20-0) 4KO's has made three successful title defenses. In 2002 and 2003, these two years he was named Boxer of the yearby Puerto Rico Boxing Commission. Calderon made his next title defense November 27, at MGM Grand Casino on the Barrera-Morrales III undercard.

After compiling an impressive amateur record of (110-20), winning the New York Golden Gloves he made a successful Pro debut on Febuary 17, 2001 in Las Vegas stopping veteran Sergio Diaz in round 1. In his 13th fight, November 2002, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Ivan captured the North Amerian Boxing (NABO) belt with a 12 rounds unanmious decesion over Lee Sandoval.

In his last title defense on July 31, at MGM Grand Casino, Las Vegas, the WBO mini flyweight champ won a unanmious decesion over Roberto Leyva. The three judges all scored the bout 116-112 in favor of Calderon. Here's what Calderon has to say.

Ike: What do you remember most about your Pro fight with Sergio Diaz?

Calderon: It was a great experience and exposure for me fighting on the Erik Morales vs Guty Espadas card.It was my first time here in Las Vegas, it was great fighting on such a big card. The guy had over 16 fight and that was my first professional fight and I was a little nervous but I stopped him in first round. It was good experience, I thought he was going to come aggressive but he didn't so I put my power punches together so he started to back up. I wanted to look good in my debut so I was very excited to win. The fight

was easier than I thought.

Ike: Tell us about your bout with Lee Sandoval for the NABO title?

Calderon: He was from Nicaragua also, that was a tough fight because it was my first time fighting a 12 rounds fight in front of my Puerto Rican people. He was really tall about 5ft-7inches, had a lot of experience and was older but I passed the test going the full

12 rounds.

 

Ike: So, what was it like fighting Eduardo Marquez for the WBO belt?

Calderon: It was a dream come through and the biggest fight of my life. It was an opportunity every boxer is looking for fighting for a world championship. It was on the De La Hoya-Campas card. I was really prepapred for that fight. I dropped him twice so I knew I had that fight, I was ahead in all scorecards since then I have been having rough and tough fights. When you're a champion the best is after you to get your title so I'm always prepared.

Ike: Please, describe your last fight with Roberto Leyva?

Calderon: Again, this fight was here at MGM Grand Casino. Another tough

fight I thought will be easy but it turned out hard fight so I had to change my style and use my skills to outbox him. I didn't know he was going to be in that kind of shape, he really came to win.

Ike: What did you know about Carlos Fajardo?

Calderon: I didnt know much about him. I only knew him by name, I never saw his tapes or nothing. I don't like to watch tapes because any fighter can change his style anytime. I always figure out opponents in the ring. I know he came for my belt. I'll act like the challenger so that makes me more hungry.

Ike: Anything you want to tell us about your fight with Benjamin Escobia?

Calderon: That fight was at Club Amazura Queens, New York. It was my third Pro fight and the only time I had a fight in New York. My mother and relatives live in New York, I use to live their too before I went back to Puerto Rico. The fight with Ben was one of my toughest fight of my career, he was Filipino and when my trainer saw his body built he was scare but we beat him. I lived 10 years in Bronx, New York before back to Puerto Rico to get married to my wife, Wilma. I have two children my daughter Wilvani is 6 years old and my son Ivan jr. is 4.

Ike: Any comments to your fans?

Calderon: I was to tell my Puerto Rican fans and others that I'm going to bring the title back home and thank you for all your supports. I'm not going to make the mistake last last time.

Do you have questions? comments? suggestions? Please, email: Jacboxing@hotmail.com