By: Jim Amato

Perrysville,Ohio…Where the hell is that ? Well I grew up in Cleveland. I have a son that lives in Columbus. Perrysville falls somewhere in between. All I can tell you is…It sure as hell ain’t Vegas! Yet a young man from Perrysville battled his way to become one of the best junior welterweights in the world during his career. His name is Craig Weber.

Craig turned pro in 1999. He won his first eleven fights. Six by KO. Then there was a 2002 draw with Daniel Craycraft. Weber then reeled off six straight before dropping a 2003 split decision to Rogelio Castaneda Jr. Their paths would cross again.

In 2004 Craig would get the break of a lifetime. He was matched against the highly rated Angel Manfredy, at the then Gund Arena in Cleveland. Manfredy was no joke. Coming into this fight his record was a sterling 43-7-1. He had defeated the likes of Calvin Grove,Harold Petty,Wilson Rodriguez,Jorge Paez,”The Human Highlight Reel”Arturo Gatti and the rugged John Brown.Manfredy was good enough to earn FOUR shots at a world title. Although he lost in all his attempts, Angel met the absolute best. Floyd Mayweather Jr.,Stevie Johnston,Diego Corrales and Paul Spadafora.

On the night Weber and Manfredy met…Craig fought the fight of his life against a world class opponent. The scores were…96-94,97-93 and 98-92. The WINNER by unanimous decision…Craig Weber…Welcome to the big time young man !

Eight months after his huge win over Manfredy,Craig would meet Castaneda again. This war would end in a hard fought draw. In 2005 Craig would end the career of the once great Frankie Randall in six rounds. Please remember Randall was the first man to defeat recent Hall Of Fame inductee Julio Cesar Chavez.In 2006 it all came crashing down as Castenada halted Craig in their third meeting.

If ever a young man could hold his head up high,it is Craig Weber. He walked the walk. No one can ever take that away from him.