By Brad Marchetti: This Saturday one of South Florida’s most popular and charismatic prizefighters will take center stage when welterweight contender Harold Calderon, 23-0, 16 KO’s, takes on veteran Jonathan Eniz, 25-14-1, 10 KO’s from the Doubletree Hotel in Miami, FL.
The Chicago-born southpaw, raised in Miami has gained a rabid local following in the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area with a fan-friendly style that usually ends with his opponent stretched out on the canvas.
Calderon will go for his seventh straight stoppage victory against Eniz, who recently took undefeated Argentine prospect Jeremias Ponce, 27-0, 17 KO’s, the distance in a close 10-round decision loss.
Despite Eniz’s recent effort, don’t expect him to reach the final bell against Calderon. “King” Calderon’s name might not ring a bell to the casual fan but that could soon change if he continues to put his foes on ice.
Below are a couple of reasons why Calderon has the potential to be a welterweight champion.
Amateur Pedigree: Calderon’s amateur record is officially listed at 0-1 at Boxrec, but having seen Calderon fight as an amateur over a half dozen times with my very own eyes, I can attest that his ledger is highly inaccurate. Once upon a time when this boxing scribe was an aspiring amateur pugilist “King,” Calderon and I shared the same trainer, Milton LaCroix who produced 50+ Golden Gloves champions and currently trains Logan Paul. In 2009 LaCroix and a stable of his “Supreme Team Boxing” squad (including Teofimo Lopez) packed into a van and headed for Orlando to fight in a “smoker.” A smoker is a non-sanctioned amateur show that is not listed on the books but is still a real fight nonetheless.
I had never seen Harold throw hands before but I remember Milton saying emphatically wait until you see this guy Harold he can fight. Before the bell rang for Calderon’s duel with his unfortunate victim I remember thinking to myself, man this Harold guy is really calm almost like a man lounging on his couch or drinking a cup of coffee.” As soon as the bell rang the “King” was the boss in the ring. Harold’s outclassed rival was no slouch proudly representing his Orlando gymnasium, but it was lights soon thereafter. A patented “Supreme Team Boxing” right hook sent “The King’s opponent into orbit. Calderon’s opponent was lifted off his feet like he was hit by Debo, deposited into ropes that acted as a harness to keep from ending up out of the ring WWF style. The display of power has been one of the reasons why Calderon has had success but the way he sets up bombs is a real gift.
Determination/Aggression: The undefeated Honduran Calderon was initially a wrestler before taking up the manly art of self defense and it reflects in his rough ring presence. Calderon’s best attribute overall is his grit and determination. Harold reminds me of Danny Garcia in the sense that he is not great at any one thing but sound overall and always improving. Calderon has the unique ability to stand in the trenches and absorb a punch while also delivering one aka Danny Garcia. Calderon is at his best at the mid-to-close range, hammering home body shots with uppercuts and hooks. Harold’s jab to the body is also a textbook perfect weapon that he uses to work his way inside. In Calderon’s best win as a professional, he methodically broke down previously undefeated Miami prospect J. D. Martinez, 11-2, 9 KO’s, with his constant pressure. Martinez did his best to dip, dodge, and run to last the distance but he couldn’t manage to win a single frame against the superior skills of the king. The one-sided performance against Martinez is a prime example of why Calderon will have success for years to come.
For tickets to watch one of Miami’s most exciting fighters contact Gabriel from Signature Punch Management at 954-445-5821
First out starts at 5:30 with a card chock full of local talent that includes 11 bouts in total.
Time: 5:30 PM ET
Address: 711 N.W. 72 St. Miami, FL, 33126
Price: Tickets start at $75