Nobuhiro Ishida vs. James Kirkland (April 2011) "Kirkland is supposed to beat the hell out of him."—Max Kellerman "This is such a shocking upset that we didn’t have a [translator] on hand tonight." --Kellerman James Kirkland (27-0) had been in jail from April 2009 to September 2010 and had scored two stoppages on his return to the ring. Although he was a bit rusty in … [Read more...]
Kirkland-Rosado Off, Kirkland Walks Away; TR Vs. GBP Bout Likely Replacement
According to ESPN's Dan Rafael, the proposed bout between James Kirkland and Gabriel Rosado, which was to be the co-feature underneath the November 8 Bernard Hopkins-Sergey Kovalev light heavyweight unification bout in Atlantic City, is off. Actually, it appears as though the bout was never officially "on", as all parties seemed to be onboard for the all-action match-up, … [Read more...]
Kirkland Returns? Rosado Fight Rumored
Since 2011, James Kirkland (32-1, 28 KOs) has averaged just one fight a year and has alternated between looking extremely lethal and completely mental. Signing with 50 Cent's SMS Promotions last fall hasn't added any stability to the junior middleweight brawler as he has reportedly refused several offers to return to the ring and is on an on-again, off-again relationship … [Read more...]
Time Running Short On Canelo Alvarez
Although it’s still only mid-September, time is running out on Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and his search for the perfect opponent for his December 6 return to the ring—especially if he wants to be in competition for the prestigious Fighter of the Year award. Having already beaten Alfredo Angulo and Erislandy Lara this year, Alvarez’s ideal third opponent of 2014 should be someone … [Read more...]
SMS Promotions: The Bermuda Triangle of Boxing
When 50 Cent launched SMS promotions in 2012 many wondered if his success in the music industry would transfer over to boxing. Since making an initial splash by signing Andre Dirrell and Billy Dib; 50 Cent has yet to have one of his fighters headline a major card on HBO or Showtime. He later added Yuriorkis Gamboa and James Kirkland to a roster filled with high profile … [Read more...]