With all the attention focused on the heavier weight divisions, boxing fans have forgotten about the smaller, more technical gifted lower weight fighters. Ivan Calderon (32-0-1, 6 Ko’s) and Rodel Mayol (25-3-1, 19 Ko’s) are set to meet again on September 12 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Calderon and Mayol fought to a draw during their undercard match last June 12.

Ivan Calderon has been the WBO light flyweight champion for some time now. His speed and technical boxing skills are comparable to Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s. Calderon has great defense and footwork which make it hard for opponents to chase him around the ring. The only thing lacking from Calderon is power. Out of 33 fights, he has only won 6 times by way of knockout.

Calderon is susceptible to being knocked out as evidenced with his fight against Hugo Fidel Cazares. Calderon was knocked down in the 8th round of their first fight. Aside from his lack of power and seemingly-glass jaw, Calderon is always prone to accidental head butts. Boxers generally lower their heads to generate power for punches. Against the 5-foot Calderon, when opponents lower their heads it seems that it always catches Calderon’s forehead on the way up. This was the case in Calderon’s first fight against Mayol.

Rodel Mayol of the Philippines lowered his head to release a punch but accidentally caught Calderon’s forehead. In their first fight, Calderon’s forehead was busted open the fourth round. The fighters were allowed to continue the match but clashed heads again during the duration of the match. Finally, the referee stopped the match after six rounds when Calderon’s cut was deemed too deep by the ring physician.

Mayol has been training under the guidance of world class trainer Freddie Roach. According to reports, Mayol will not leave the match to the hands of the judges; he is going for the knock out win. In their first fight, Mayol was landing the cleaner more solid punches. Many boxing experts believe that Mayol should have been awarded the title.

For Calderon to retain his light flyweight championship, he needs to keep the ring large. That means avoid being cornered or pushed to the ropes by the stronger Mayol. Calderon seemed to have lost a step in his match against Mayol. As the fight prolonged, Mayol seemed to figure out the Calderon puzzle.

Mayol has a huge chance to be the first man to defeat Calderon. He should impose his physicality and strength. Calderon looked fatigued after five rounds in their first fight and Mayol knows this. Going for the knockout is the best way to beat Calderon.

As a boxing fan, I hope that no more head butts occur because their first fight was entertaining and intriguing. Calderon’s boxing skills and defense are something to marvel at but his 34-year-old body is starting to show signs of decreasing athleticism.

Consider the Calderon-Mayol match the appetizer before the Mayweather-Marquez and Pacquiao-Cotto main courses.