As with all prize fighters that have stepped into the ring over the years, Rob Calloway continues to remain the same guy who started boxing professionally more than 60 bouts ago. But this time, the prize is slightly different.
Entering the last bout of his career, Calloway addressed a group of 80 people at a press conference Thursday night at the First Ward House in St. Joseph and talked mostly about his amateur — and much more youthful — stable of boxers.
“I love coaching the kids and training them,” Calloway said. “Hopefully, we will have an amateur world champion and maybe an Olympic medalist.”
But before that takes place, Calloway (69-10-2) faces Darrin Humphrey at the Civic Arena this Saturday evening in what is being touted as the “Final Conflict”.
Despite the talk of future interests, the immediate business of Saturday night would not be put aside. Calloway’s contender could not attend the press conference because of flight difficulties and took the brunt of boxing press conference banter.
“He’s scared; I can tell you that,” Calloway said. “Seriously, he knows it’s my last fight, and I love fighting at home.”
But Humphrey looks to better his record against a fighter that has seen his fair share of shots over the years. After fighting in 17 states, seven countries and numerous times with well known fighters, the thoughts are there, but the body hesitates.
“You know, over the last two fights I have noticed some things,” Calloway said. “I am getting hit a little more, and my shots are not as quick as they used to be, so I don’t want to be at that level.”
On Saturday, Calloway will step into the ring with a great career record, swarms of local fans and no regrets.
“I promised my wife when I turned 40, I would be done,” Calloway said, “I got plans for after the fight.”
A weigh-in for the fighters is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight at Terrible’s Frontier Casino. The under-card of fight night starts at 7 at Civic Arena on Saturday.
Sports reporter Brett King can be reached at npsports@npgco.com
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