Mayol tries again

CEBU, Philippines – Filipino boxer Rodel Mayol (25-3, 18KO) hopes to snatch an elusive world boxing title when he fights Ivan Calderon (32-0, 6KO) of Puerto Rico at the Madison Square Garden in New York City today.

The light flyweight bout is the main undercard of the Miguel Cotto-Joshua Clottey fight. Cotto has been mentioned as one of the probable challengers of Manny Pacquiao.

 Mayol, a native of Mandaue City, will bring to the fight the experience he gained from two previous title fights that he lost.

In his first attempt to be a world champion, Mayol lost a controversial 12-round decision to Eagle Kyowa in April 2006. His latest attempt, in August 2007 was also a disaster, losing to Ulises Solis of Mexico via an 8th round knockout.

Mayol said lack of preparation and mental toughness did him in those last two fights.

This, time around, Mayol is a changed man.

He found a new manager, no other than the world’s best pound-for-pound fight in Manny Pacquiao. (Although Pacquiao may not be around to watch him fight.)

Pacquiao made sure that Mayol would be in the tiptop shape for his fight with Calderon by arranging his training at the Wild Card gym with Freddie Roach and Buboy Fernandez.

Mayol sparred a total of 110 rounds while at the gym and hopes that his preparation and hard work will finally land him a world title.

“This time around with the help of Manny Pacquiao, I found a new manager and trainer for this fight. The last six weeks has been intense training at the Wild Card Gym with Coach Freddie and Buboy and I feel strong –- physically and mentally. I hope to put up a good fight,” Mayol said.

Mayol understand that the fight with the undefeated Puerto Rican will be difficult. He said he has to be aggressive in the early rounds and follow their game plan.

Definitely, Mayol has the power to batter Calderon but the Puerto Rican said he’s ready. “He may say my fights are boring because you are used to see boxers hit and I’m never getting hit. I know it’s going to be a good fight. They trained and I trained hard for this fight. My style is hit, don’t get hit and go back home with no marks," Calderon said.

Mayol is in better shape and weight for this fight. In addition, with Team Pacquiao in his corner to help him, Mayol should be able to make the best of the opportunity. – RBO (THE FREEMAN)