By Cliff Rold
2) Ivan Calderon – 13 Points*
Record: 32-0, 6 KO
WBO 2003-07, 11 Defenses
Titlists/Champions Faced – 6: (Marquez, Sanchez, Cardenas, Leyva, Reyes, Bustos)
Number two is almost as much a no brainer at 105 as number one. Unlike number one, there was almost never a knockout to fear with Calderon. Instead, opponents had to hope against embarrassment. In twelve title fights in class, only a handful of foes could leave with more than a round or two scored in their favor. Continuing on currently as the top man at 108 lbs., Calderon remains an elusive target.
His rise in the ranks was almost as quick as the fleet feet of the Puerto Rican craftsman. Following an opening round loss at the 2000 Olympics, Calderon turned pro in 2001 and ran off fifteen in a row before challenging Eduardo Marquez in May 2003 for the WBO belt. A wide technical decision in nine started him on the road to a commendable reign. An aged Alex Sanchez couldn’t catch up to him, Edgar Cardenas missed weight and then the final bell in a rare stoppage win, and former titlists Daniel Reyes and Issac Bustos won two rounds, combined, on six scorecards. Only Leyva, of the current/former titlists he faced truly gave him a run, and even then could muster only a unanimous 8-4 loss. In his last defense, challenger Ronald Barrera made a tough run, dropping a split decision and then Calderon was off to bigger challenges. He’s still chasing those targets and the reigning Ring Magazine/WBO Jr. Flyweight champ could find a big money showdown by the end of 2009 with fellow 2000 Olympian Brian Viloria.
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