For much of his early career, lefthanders were to Rob Calloway what a plastic jug of vodka is to an alcoholic. Troublesome at best, dangerous at times.

Southpaws handed the St. Joseph boxer the majority of his seven losses — in 78 professional fights.

“It’s just different, man, adjusting to southpaws,” Calloway said. “We just don’t see many lefthanders. Everything is pretty much backwards.”

Now he faces that hurdle again when he brings ESPN “The Contender” star — and southpaw — Max Alexander to Civic Arena for a nationally televised bout on July 19.

The problem with righthanded boxers facing southpaws is pretty straightforward, Calloway said.

“I like to set everything up with my jab. But (a lefthander is) turned the opposite direction, so the jab doesn’t work,” Calloway said. “You’re just hitting his right hand.”

Calloway found ways to adjust. Trainer Marshall Kaufman, who is based in Philadelphia, helped Calloway focus on and improve his left hook.

“I think it’s become my best punch. It’s gotten real good in the last year, especially,” Calloway said. “It’s very effective against southpaws. I think it’s really the key with southpaws, actually.”

Kaufman’s advice and training, including on how to deal with lefties, has rejuvenated the 38-year-old’s career. They’ve worked together for the past two years, and in that span Calloway has won 13 straight fights, including three against lefthanders.

The other big piece of the puzzle, Calloway said, has been simply preparation. Kaufman has made sure that Calloway spars with plenty of lefthanded boxers while training, especially in advance of a fight against a southpaw.

That’s why Calloway currently is in Phoenix. He’s training with Kaufman and Hasim Rahman, another Kaufman protege who has a title bout against James Toney later this month.

At the camp, Calloway is sparring eight rounds three times a week, though that probably will increase to 10 rounds soon. He runs three miles a day and does his weight work in the evenings. He’ll return to St. Joseph next week.

“I’m ready,” Calloway said. “I feel strong, and I’m confident I’m going to take Max out before the 12 rounds is up.”

Sports Editor Scott Pummell can be reached at scottp@npgco.com