Calvin Grove facts for kids

Calvin Grove was born on August 5, 1962. He is an American former professional boxer. A professional boxer is someone who fights for money. Calvin Grove was once the world champion in the Featherweight division. This means he was the best boxer in his weight class.

Calvin Grove's Boxing Career

Calvin Grove started his professional boxing career in 1982. He worked hard to become a champion.

Winning a World Title

In 1988, Calvin Grove won a big title. He became the IBF (International Boxing Federation) featherweight champion. He won this title by defeating Antonio Rivera. The fight ended with a TKO, which means "Technical Knockout." This happens when the referee stops the fight because one boxer cannot continue safely.

Defending and Losing the Title

After winning, Grove defended his title one time. But later that same year, he lost it to Jorge Páez. Grove was knocked down three times in the last round of their fight. He lost the fight by a decision from the judges.

Rematches and New Challenges

Calvin Grove had a rematch with Jorge Páez the next year. This time, Páez won by TKO in the 11th round. Grove then decided to move to a heavier weight class.

In 1992, he challenged Azumah Nelson for the WBC super featherweight title. But Grove lost that fight by a decision. He moved up in weight again in 1994. He fought Miguel Ángel González for the WBC lightweight title. Grove lost this fight by TKO.

Retirement from Boxing

Calvin Grove retired from boxing in 1998. His last fight was against Kostya Tszyu. Grove lost that fight by a KO (Knockout) in the first round. A KO means one boxer is knocked out and cannot get up.

Important Victories

Calvin Grove had some very important wins during his career.

• He knocked out Jeff Fenech in seven rounds on June 7, 1993. Jeff Fenech is a famous boxer who is in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
• Grove also beat Lester Ellis two times. One of these wins was by TKO in the fourth round.

See also

• List of featherweight boxing champions