Boxer Says He’ll Continue to Fight Despite the Death of Last Opponent

Nashville boxer Chris Calvin said Friday that he will continue his boxing career despite the death of his last opponent, Shawn Thomas of Detroit.

Thomas was pronounced dead Wednesday night, five weeks after he collapsed in his dressing room at the Holiday Star Theater in Merrillville, Ind. He underwent brain surgery to remove a blood clot after his scheduled 10-round bout with Calvin was halted in the seventh round.

“You hate to see this happen at any time, especially when it’s somebody you fought,” Calvin said. “I always hoped he’d make it, and I’m really sorry it happened.”

The 26-year-old lightweight said he intends to continue his boxing career and is hoping for title shot against World Boxing Assn. champion Jimmy Paul.

“I’ve got a family to support--a wife, two kids and another on the way,” Calvin said. “I’m gonna stay in the ring until I win the title.”