Recently, I recieved a press release (printed below) from cruiserweight contender Rob Calloway. While there are some things that Calloway says that I agree with, at the same time, there are a couple of things that I feel he overstated. Before I get into any of that, here's the press release from Team Calloway:
I will Knock Out either Bell or Adamek!
St. Joseph, Missouri, January 18, 2008 "All-American Prizefighter" Rob Calloway wants his chance to prove that he should be recognized as the cruiserweight champion of the world.
As the WBC Continental Americas, IBF International and NABA Cruiserweight champion, Calloway has his eyes on the top.
"I couldn't believe it when I read that Main Events and Warriors have begun negotiations for an eliminator bout between Tomasz Adamek and O'Neil Bell with the winner becoming the mandatory to IBF Champ Steve Cunningham. Bell hasn't fought in nearly a year and he lost in that bout and Adamek lost his last bout at light heavy and his two bouts at cruiser were against Luis Pineda and some 8-8 former middleweight that he went the distance with."
"I fought 3 times on ESPN2 last year (2 televised), one which was considered "Upset of the Year" candidate against heavyweight Terry Smith. Terry was saved by the bell when I dropped him at the end of the 8th round and I went on to win a 10 round unanimous decision. In another, I easily KO'd former NABA Cruiserweight Champ Chris Thomas in the 3rd round. I also KO'd heavyweight Cliff Couser in the 2nd round just 1 month before he easily KO'd #1 heavyweight Monte Barrett!"
"I'm better than I've ever been and ready to show the world that I'm the best in the cruiserweight division. I've had 80 professional fights with 72 wins 7 losses and 1 draw with 56 knock-outs and I am the WBA NABA, WBC Continental Americas and IBF International Cruiserweight Champion. I will Knock Out either Bell or Adamek!"
"I'm not a late replacement fill-in that gets a week notice for a World Title fight like I was offered for the WBO against Enzo Maccarinelli. I want my legitimate shot and I have earned it the old fashion way! I've won my last 10 fights in a row with 9 by knockout...I'm Knocking Out All Cruiserweights!"
Game Thoughts
Now after reading this realease, I must say that I agree with everything that Calloway says. He is one of the most deserving cruiserweights in the world to fight for a world title. Also, Calloway has fought for a long time and has earned everything that is coming to him. Like Calloway says, he has beaten heavyweights and cruiserweights in this latest run towards a title shot.
One thing Calloway stated in the press release that should have been left out however is where he stated that Terry Smith was saved by the bell when he knocked him down in the eigth round in their ESPN fight last year. Talking to him shortly after that fight, Smith told me that he wasn't hurt at all and when he stepped back from the clinch (after the punch), he twisted his ankle and went down due to a bad spot on the ring apron. Smith made it through the ninth and had Calloway hurt and holding the entire 10th round before he earned the 10-round decision. I'm not disputing Calloway's victory. I had him winning the fight and Smith gives him credit as well for winning the fight. Calloway fought a very smart fight and earned that victory.
Furthermore, Cliff Couser is up and down...either he knocks you out or he gets knocked out. Not a big deal, but he did knock out Monte Barrett who is high on everyone's list for some odd reason.
Regardless, other than the comment about Terry Smith, I agree with everything that Calloway said.
Why should the IBF even consider an eliminator between O'Neil Bell and Tomasz Adamek? Like Calloway says, Bell has been inactive and Adamek is unproven at cruiser and was basically dominated by Chad Dawson at light heavy when he lost his title. Here's the reason Rob...it is money and promoters. That's it. It's not fair to you, nor is it fair to most of the fighters in the mid-west area.
I know that you have 80 fights and your record is great for that many fights, but here's the kicker, the reason you were offered the WBO title fight on such short notice is because that's how most view you...it's not fair, but that's the way it is...most of these champions could care less who you are or what you have done; all they know is that if given time to prepare, you'd be a tough fight. Maybe even too tough of a fight, but at this stage of your career, they're also betting on the fact that if a title fight is offered to you, you'd take it no matter how short of notice, and let's face it, the shorter the notice, the better.
Of course you deserve a title shot at cruiser, more than any contender out there because of your activity and your wins, however, that's not the way things work. Even Darnell Wilson, he should have got his shot by now, but he has to fight BJ Flores instead of getting a shot that he deserves as well.
Look at Terry Smith. He has to take fights whenever he can get them and then, when he does lose, it knocks him back farther while other heavyweights in the same position get title shots and opportunities because of who their promoter is. You are in the same position. You bring little to the table, yet the risk is too high for the champions to take. Even after capturing minor title after minor title, the bigger name promoters can swing deals with the alphabets to get their guys positioned ahead of you. It really is a shame.
If anyone needs anymore information regarding Rob Calloway you can find it here www.RobCalloway.com or www.myspace.com/allamericanpromotions.
500,000 Buys
It's been reported that Jones/Trinidad did 500,000 buys which proves one of two things: either these two guys can still draw numbers or if you place two Hall of Fame names together at a time when boxing is slow, then the boxing starved fans will buy anything...even a fight where most already know the outcome. BY the way, I'm assuming the fight was fixed since Trinidad went the distance. The only problem now is the Roy Jones "I'll fight anyone" rhetoric that we'll have to listen to for the next few months.
Taylor/Pavlik II Sweepstakes
With the highly anticipated rematch quickly approaching, both Jemian Taylor and Kelly Pavlik have added fuel to become victorious. If Taylor wins, then we could see the first significant trilogy in years. Plus, Roy Jones has gone on record stating that he wants the winner in what could be a big payday for either guy. Now Joe Calzaghe, who is supremely confident that he will be victorious against Bernard Hopkins, says he wants to close out his career with the winner of Taylor/Pavlik as well. Anyway it goes, it looks like the winner of this fight is set for at least the end of the year with significant and deserving paydays.