World Champion Ivan Calderone in New York City for Fight

World champion Ivan ‘Iron Boy’ Calderon — 33-0-1 overall and 17-0-1 in world title fights – is in New York to get set for a title defense Saturday, June 12 in the Theatre at Madison Square Garden.

Calderon will defend against Jesus Irbie of Mexico in a WBO junior flyweight title fight.  Calderon, 35, has been a world champion continously for seven years. He is trained by Jose ‘Che Che’ Sanchez.

“There is nothing like walking in town and having everyone call you ‘champ,’ Calderon said. “I’ve been in some tough defenses. Everytime I get into the ring it’s a serious situation. There is nothing easy going on in any of my fights.”

The Top Rank Live! fight card is on the eve of the annual Puerto Rican Parade.

Calderon was born and raised in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

Also on the card will be Steven Badgley, a U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer who will make his pro debut as a light heavyweight.  Badgley, stationed at Camp Drum, N.Y., is the pilot of an OHL-58D Kiowa Warrior, an armed reconnaissance helicopter.  While in Iraq, he put together a boxing tournament among U.S. soldiers who battled on a makeshift ring.

“I just love to box,” said Badgley.  “I was a pretty bad kid while growing up but getting into the U.S. Army changed my life around.  I have a lot of responsibilities when I get into the helicopter and fire it up.  To have my first professional fight at Madison Square Garden is incredible.”

Tickets are $200, $100, $50, $25 and are available at the Madison Square Garden box office.