09.06.06 – By Laz Izada: Take note, boxing fans: Jameel “Big Time” McCline (37-6-3, 23 KO’s) is back working his way to contention again. So far, he’s had five victories, with three by 1st round knockout in a row this past year. Clearly, he’s done his work well, particularly with the impressive knockouts and looks to be in great shape.
In April, on ESPN 2, he decisively beat Rob Calloway, winning by unanimous decision over 10 rounds. On July 21st, he will step it up and take on Terry Smith 27-1-1, on ESPN 2, on the televised under card of super middleweightd, Allan Green-Anthony Bonsante bout in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The winner of McCline-Smith should crack into the top heavyweight rankings.
In this matchup, McCline and Smith have a common opponent, in Calvin Brock. However, sad to say, they have both lost to Brock by unanimous decision McCline lost a close one by scores of 93-97, 93-96,and 94-96, while Smith lost to Brock by scores of 94-96, 93-97 and 92-98.
Recently, during an interview with McCline, he told me that he “still feels the love and passion for the game,” and that his goal is to “stay busy, and stay active, and reach another title shot.” Ideally, staying active keeps him at his optimal boxing weight of 260-263LBS. At his age 36, he feels that he is still young in the game, and has only been boxing the past 10 years, while most boxers have been fighting for a much longer time. He further said to me that he feels “confident going the distance against Calloway and that running out of gas is not an issue anymore,” that he had “medical issues in the past” (a blood disorder), and that things are so much different now, since his lost to Zuri Lawrence.
Career re-builder, Scott Hirsch of World Class Boxing Management Inc, has been hired as his new manager, Mike Boroa, who has been with McCline “from day one,” will stay on as a partner. McCline mentioned that he and Boroa have “lived the dream together” and he is happy that he’ll still be involved.
This should be an exciting matchup, as the winner will move up and continue on to better things. Needlesstosay, expect to see both McCline and Smith, giving it all they got. Cheers to ESPN and all involved for making this match up possible. Don’t miss it.