30.08.05 – By Tony Nobbs: On June 24 at the Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast, Rob Calloway lived up to his pre fight reputation as a hardened world class campaigner by capturing the vacant WBF heavyweight championship with a unanimous decision over Australian contender Bob Mirovic. After twelve tremendous rounds ‘The All-American Prizefighter’ was crowned new champion via scores of 116-112, 116-112 and 115-113.. Calloway, who stands 6 ft 3 and weighed 95 kilo’s for the Mirovic bout is a ten time professional champion spanning three weight divisions. His current professional record reads 60-5-1, 45 KO’s (5 wins were originally listed no contests). On August 13, five days prior to his 36th birthday, he answered the following questions.
Q: Rob, give us your thoughts on the Mirovic fight.
A: It was definitely a great fight for the fans and our styles of fighting will make for a great match every time. I just need a plan to win with a knockout without having my eye so swollen next time…any suggestions?
Q: There is talk of a rematch, you offered Bob a rematch, do you think it will happen?
A: I hope it will happen! It needs to happen! Boxing fans that saw the first fight want to see it happen again and I think the talk about the last one will bring even more attention to the rematch! My friend Jamie Myer did a great job with the first one so I hope he will somehow make the rematch happen!
Q: How do you think the rematch will pan out?
A: I feel I would knock Bob out in the rematch! My plan was to come on strong late last time, however the swelling happened so fast we had to adjust a little but next time I wont be so cautious and I feel I will win by a spectacular KNOCKOUT!
Q: Team Calloway was very popular during your stay. How did you like Australia?
A: I meant everything I said after the fight. You have a beautiful country! Very nice people who treated me and my team very well. Next time I will bring my entire family and plan a vacation after I defend the title.
Q: You finally got to see some Kangaroos while here. How did you find them?
A: They were awesome! I really enjoyed the ‘Roos, Tasmanian devils and the beautiful beaches! My two kids have loved looking at the pictures and are excited about a chance to come over with me next time.
Q: When do you plan to fight again?
A: I have received many offers after winning the WBF world title and the WBA-PABA title and I have agreed to a deal with TITAN ENTERTAINMENT, which will be released very soon. Right now we are scheduled to defend in my hometown of St Joseph, Missouri on October 1st and then on national television on November 18 in Kansas City, MO. After these two fights I hope we can come to an agreement to return to Australia for a rematch with Mirovic. I’m proud to be the world champion of such a great organisation as the WBF and I plan to make a record number of defences for the WBF and president Mick Croucher. I also am looking forward to a great relationship with the WBA-PABA organisation and Alan Kim.
Q: How would you rate the top ten heavyweights out there at the moment?
A: 1) Hasim Rachman. 2) Vitali Klitchko. 3) Chris Byrd. 4) James Toney. 5) John Ruiz. 6) Lamon Brewster. 7) Samuel Peter. 8) Monte Barrett. 9) Wladamir Klitchko. 10) Rob Calloway.
Q: Is there anything else you want to add?
A: I just want to be involved in some major fights in the heavyweight division over the next couple of years! I plan to retire when I’m forty so I have the next four years to make some noise. I own TEAM CALLOWAY FAMILY HEALTH & FITNESS club in my hometown so I’m always in great shape and if these big heavyweights are not they’re in big trouble! Jamel McCline and David Tua turned me down for their upcoming fights so maybe they didn’t feel they were in good enough shape???
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