Undefeated welterweight prospect Harold Calderon, 19-0, 12 KO’s, is building mass appeal in South Florida with a blend of power, skill and charisma. The Honduran southpaw has an aggressive TV friendly style that puts asses in the seats and opponents on their backs. Calderon’s last scrap in late March saw the young brawler break down and stop cagey 63-fight veteran Carlos Velasquez. “King” Calderon bludgeoned the veteran with left hands to the torso in a dominating performance from start to finish. In the 5th round a piercing straight left to the chin of Velasquez sent the Nicaraguan crashing onto his backside. Referee Massimo Montanini waved the bout off after the journeyman rose on unsteady legs.
Calderon has a veteran’s presence in the ring which can be attributed to his experience. Despite having fought only 19 bouts and 76 professional rounds Calderon was able to gain pro experience as a participant of the World Series Of Boxing prior to his debut. The World Series Of Boxing fights were classified as amateur bouts but the scraps were held under the same rules of pro boxing without headgear and smaller gloves. The local draw will be back in action at the Miccosukee Indian Gaming Resort in Miami May 24th against an opponent to be named.
I got a chance to catch up with Harold “King” Calderon at his training camp at Punch Fitness boxing in downtown Miami.
Question: What were the keys to your last win over Velasquez?
Answer: Staying patient and working the body early to break him down. I was watching for mistakes and tendencies. Once I figured him out I capitalized on his mistakes and got him out of there.
Q: How Much Does Boxing Mean To You?
A: It’s God first, family second and boxing third so obviously boxing is extremely important to me. I have sacrificed and given up so much of my life for boxing. I see as a way out and an opportunity to give my family a better life. That’s why I take boxing deadly serious.
Q: Who were your favorite fighters growing up?
A: My favorite fighters were Floyd Mayweather, Zab Judah, Pernell Whitaker, Hector Camacho and Muhummad Ali. I like to watch slick southpaw fighters mostly.
Q: What’s on deck for “King” Calderon?
A: I’m not slowing down and I should be fighting for a minor belt in the next few months. Watch out May 24th at the Miccosukee i’m going to put on a show for the fans.