James Kirkland v Glenn Tapia: Fight Preview

kirkland334By Sevak Sarkisian: On December 7th, James Kirkland (31-1 27KO’s) will make his long awaited return to the ring to take on New Jersey’s Glen Tapia (20-0 12KO’s). The bout will be televised live on HBO and will take place at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City NJ.

Back in 2009, Kirkland was a high profile prospect being showcased on HBO. He was quickly becoming a fan favorite with his high tempo violent style. However, his momentum came to an abrupt end when he ended up having to serve tine for gun charges. For 2 years Kirkland remained inactive. He made his return back to the sport in March of 2011 but a knockout loss and another two years off due to promotional issues put another wrench in the progression of his career.

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James Kirkland vs. Glen Tapia on December 7th

NEW YORK (October 16, 2013) — Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s SMS Promotions officially announced its signing of world light middleweight contender James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland (31-1, 27 KOs) to an exclusive promotional contract.

“James concentrates on conditioning and building strength,”50 Cent said. “He brings the fight to you and is aggressive in the ring. The crowd loves the action and I’m excited to make him a part of our team.”

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Schaefer wants Angulo vs. Kirkland rematch

kirkland22By Dan Ambrose: Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer is hoping to put together a rematch between #9 WBC junior middleweight contender Alfredo Angulo (22-2, 18 KO’s) and James Kirkland (31-1, 27 KO’s). Kirkland stopped Angulo in the 6th round two years ago in November 2011 in a fight that saw both guys hit the deck in the 1st round.

Angulo gassed out badly after trying to score a quick knockout and he never got his second wind and ended up taking a bad beating before the fight was halted in the 6th.

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Will Saul Alvarez face Angulo, Maidana or Kirkland next?

alvarez434By Dan Ambrose: It’s looking like WBC junior middleweight champion Sail “Canelo” Alvarez won’t be facing WBA junior middleweight champion Austin Trout next judging by the comments Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer made to Sports Illustrated writer Chris Mannix this past week on twitter.

It’s unclear whether Alvarez will be fighting on May 4th, the Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo or if he’ll be back in the ring in March against a still to be determined opponent. What does seem pretty obvious is that Alvarez won’t be facing the guy he arguably should be fighting in Austin Trout.

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Miguel Cotto should fight Kirkland next, or rematch Austin Trout

Image: Miguel Cotto should fight Kirkland next, or rematch Austin TroutBy Jorge Lugo: I find it funny that everyone is jumping on the “Cotto should retire” campaign. Truthfully, after watching Cotto vs. Trout three time’s it’s clear that the first six rds were even, and that Trout won because he pulled it out in the 2nd half (with Cotto still putting out an effort but not enough). The sad thing is, nowadays, everyone assumes just cause a fighter loses he should retire.

Newsflash though, this is boxing and a loss should not mean the end of Cotto, especially since he did put a good fight against a fighter that no one wanted a piece of prior! If I was Cotto I would either request an immediate rematch or fight James Kirkland.

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Kirkland vs. Alvarez on September 15th PPV

Image: Kirkland vs. Alvarez on September 15th PPVBy Jason Kim: It was made official today that James Kirkland (31-1, 27 KO’s) will step in to replace the injured Paul Williams in a September 15th pay-per-view fight against Golden Boy Promotions budding star WBC junior middleweight champion Saul Alvarez (40-0-1, 29 KO’s) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Kirkland is a risky opponent for Alvarez because of his surgically operated on shoulder

Image: Kirkland is a risky opponent for Alvarez because of his surgically operated on shoulderBy Jason Kim: If Golden Boy Promotions ends up using James Kirkland as the replacement opponent to face their up and coming star WBC junior middleweight champion Saul Alvarez for his next fight on September 15th on pay per view, Golden Boy might regret it if Kirkland’s recent surgically operated on right shoulder gets further injured in training for the fight.

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