Jameel "Big Time" McCline

"I got too used to being on top," says comebacking heavyweight Jameel McCline.

McCline enjoyed an extended stay at the top of the world's heavyweight ratings until a disastrous 2005, which saw him lose twice and fall from his lofty perch. Now on the comeback trail, McCline is enjoying a five-fight winning streak and a renewed drive to return to his rightful place among boxing's big men.

A native New Yorker, McCline burst on the scene in July 2001 when he destroyed then top contender Michael Grant in just 43 seconds. McCline learned to box by working as a sparring partner for several noteworthy names in boxing. He is fast and powerful with imposing size and has the natural ability to beat anyone else in the division on any given night.

STRONG PERFORMANCE: On 2004-11-13 at Madison Square Garden in New York, McCline came painfully close to dethroning then-IBF champion Chris Byrd. McCline dominated early and dropped Byrd in the second, but tired himself out badly trying to finish him off. As the rounds wore on, Byrd was able to claw back into the fight and salvage a razor-thin split decision. McCline's gamble to try and finish Byrd early cost him in the biggest fight of his life.

CAREER BEST VICTORY: On 2001-07-21 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, McCline served notice to the boxing world and viewers of HBO Boxing that he had arrived by knocking out Michael Grant in just over forty seconds. Grant was considered an heir apparent to Lennox Lewis' throne by some and McCline was brought in as a opponent for him to showcase his skills against -- Less than a minute later, the world had a new contender to talk about as a big McCline left hand put Grant down.