James Kirkland: A rare commodity in a rare event

By Boxing News - 04/08/2011 - Comments

By Hernan Cortez: As a fan of boxing I often find myself eagerly waiting to see my favorite athletes in the ring. In some cases, this can be quite a long period, and in most cases, it can be very frustrating. Therefore, I feel it necessary to commend James Kirkland for taking fights so close together. First, it has to be said that safety is always an issue, and that stepping into the ring for bouts back to back as he is can pose a real danger to his well being.

However, his confidence is awe inspiring, and as a fan, I appreciate not having to wait a year to see him display his talent. It seems as though this middleweight phenom is making up for lost time, which is warranted both for his career and for the fans that have waited for his return. It is a rare event that a boxer pushes the limits in the way James is, but it is also refreshing. Fans should appreciate that he is producing at such a pace.

I am not advocating that every boxer attempt to follow such a fierce pace when scheduling is concerned. In fact, many boxers could not, and should not even attempt to step into the ring with such little down time. But when some only fight once a year it is hard not to become jaded, and critical. Some boxers may feel they have earned the right to make their presence a yearly holiday gift to fans but they should not be surprised win those fans become somewhat disgruntled or overcritical. Athletes earn the right to decide what is best for themselves, but fans innately have the right to decide who they will pay to see fight. Personally, I will pay to see Kirkland’s ferocity instead of others’ stagnation. It seems as though this ferocity is a trait that Kirkland carries both inside and outside the ring.

Another rare commodity is the quality of the Pay Per View this weekend. The event is filled with fights that are sure to please, and boxers who are sure to appeal to just about every fan. The undercards are stacked with talent and experience, which lead up to a main event that will in one way or another be etched into our memories for some time to come. The Maidana/Morales event is a full night of entertainment for any boxing fan or fan of sports in general for $45. With fierce competitors like Kirkland, aggressive worriers like Maidiana, and legends like Morales, all in one show we are sure to get our moneys worth this weekend, and when is the last time any of us can say that with a sense of certainty about a Pay Per View?



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