26.04.06 – By Jim Amato: Just watched another typical Jameel McCline performance. Jameel won a conclusive ten round decision over veteran Rob Calloway. Rob is a veteran of over 60 fights and after being dropped in the first round, he used all his guile to survive and go the distance. The scores were 99-90 twice and 96-93. As far as Jameel goes, I’d like to keep it real. For all his size, strength and athletic ability, he never reached the heights that many felt he would attain four years ago..
He exploded on the scene by destroying Michael Grant on July 21, 2001. He followed that with decisions over Lance Whitaker and Shannon Briggs in 2001 and 2002. Then came a failed attempt at winning the WBO title, losing to Wladimir Klitschko on December 7, 2002.
Jameel won three straight then failed to dethrone IBF champion Chris Byrd in November 13, 2004. Then, he lost a verdict to the hot prospect Calvin Brock on April 23, 2005. A few fights later, Jameel was upset by tough Zuri Lawrence, on October 21, 2005. Since that loss, he has now won four straight.
The bottom line is Jameel never became the real deal. At this point, he has become a stepping stone with a name that will look good on a young boxer’s record. McCline is at the crossroad of his career. He is in his mid 30’s and although he looked to be in great shape, he was at times slow and ponderous. For as big as he is, he is not a devastating hitter and probably never will be.
For starters, how about a rematch with the rejuvenated Shannon Briggs? After that, if McCline is still around, how about a bout with another boxer at the cross roads, such as Dominick Guinn? The way I see it, beating the Rob Calloway’s of the world will not garner McCline another title shot, not now, not ever.