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Calvin
Brock knocked out his school work in college. Now, he's knocking
out opponents in the boxing ring.
Calvin's College Experience Trained Him
for Cool Athletic Career!
By Brian Murphy
December 2001
The CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- When the bell rings,
the fight begins in both the classroom and the boxing ring. But
if battling it out with teachers and tests isn't hard enough, imagine
having to take on an opponent in the ring after that final exam.
Calvin Brock, a recent graduate from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte,
did just that. Not only did he claim a name for himself in the ring,
but he also achieved a solid education in the classroom.
"I wanted to make the best of myself and be a well-rounded
individual," explains Calvin, who majored in finance. "I
can only think of one man who won the belt and had a degree -- Bone
Crusher Smith."
Even though maintaining academics and athletics was a challenging
endeavor, Calvin made it look easy. "It takes a lot of energy,"
he admits, "but you study whenever you have free time."
In fact, hitting the books was the last thing he'd do before retiring
for the night.
Oftentimes, Calvin couldn't attend class lectures because of boxing
matches. He didn't allow his fights, however, to interfere with
learning. Instead, he took a positive approach to his situation
and brought his assignments on the road with him.
"[Boxing] taught me never to give up no matter how hard things
look," Calvin shares. "You can be losing all the way,
but you just gotta' fight harder or study more."
Although Calvin's tight schedule didn't leave much room for the
college social scene, he doesn't regret his decision to focus on
scholastics first, then sports. "You have to be willing to
sacrifice," he admits.
As a current professional heavyeight boxer, Calvin has some sound
advice for all aspiring boxers: "First, count the cost of becoming
a boxer. Then, ask yourself if you want to make a future out of
the sport or [participate] for recreation." If it's in your
future, says Calvin, "sit back and examine the sacrifices and
disappointments [that come with the territory], and how much of
a long shot career this can be."
If Calvin's educational achievement and boxing stats are proof
positive of what heights you, too, can expect to reach, then let
your brain juices start flowing and your boxing gloves get moving
'cause you're bound for champion status!
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