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Ike Enwereuzor - Jacboxing.com

undefeated WBO mini-flyweight world champion Ivan "Iron Boy" (20-0) 4KO's
has made three successful title defenses. In 2002 and 2003, these two years
he was named Boxer of the year
by Puerto Rico Boxing Commission. Calderon will make his next title defense
November 27,
at MGM Grand Casino on the Barrera-Morrales III undercard. He'll square off
against Carlos Fajardo
of Nicaragua now (22-3-1) with 13KO's.

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 do you know about Carlos Fajardo?
Calderon: I don't know much about him. I only know 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. But I can tell you it's
going to be a good tough fight. I know he's coming for my belt. I'll be like
the challenger so that makes me more hungry. I know how it feels when you're
going for a title. I'm going to give it my all.

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.