Boxing

Monty Barrett Supplies Late Fireworks

By Paul-John Ramos

04.10 - Albuquerque, New Mexico - Just when the Sandia Casino main event looked ready for a whimper, heavyweight prospect Monty Barrett came to the rescue with an eye-opening TKO of Erik Kirkland, clocked at 2:35 of round ten.

Barrett, 218 ¾, Queens, New York, had the upper hand throughout a sloppy, clinch-ridden fight, using his jab to control the tempo and keep Kirkland, 221, Selden, New York, at a safe distance. Kirkland did land occasional counterpunches, but was relegated to a defensive stance all night. It seemed that Barrett's output alone would bring a comfortable win.

These two prospects were in need of a big finish, however, and it was Barrett who took advantage of his deep amateur experience and the venue's 5,000-foot altitude. Barrett, who weighed nearly three pounds under his April bout with Robert Wiggins (221 ½), showed little fatigue in the closing rounds while Kirkland began plodding and his already-low punch count further shrank.

Barrett was still uppity in the tenth when he stung Kirkland at the midway point on a right hook and dropped him to one knee with an ensuing barrage. After the eight count by referee Rocky Burke, Barrett pressed forward and had a weary Kirkland standing defenseless against the ropes. He calmly moved in, bringing horror to Kirkland's face, and landed a clean right to the head that forced an immediate stoppage.

The 32-year-old Barrett, now 29-2 (16), has enjoyed victories against Tim Witherspoon, Robert Davis, and Wiggins after falling to Lance Whitaker by split decision and Wladimir Klitschko by knockout. There had been talk of Kirkland, 17-2 (13), facing Joe Mesi at Madison Square Garden this fall, but if Mesi wants to further his cause as a leading heavyweight, it is perhaps the more skilled Barrett who would better serve that need.

0 comments
 


Bookmark and Share

 

If you detect any issues with the legality of this site, problems are always unintentional and will be corrected with notification.
The views and opinions of all writers expressed on eastsideboxing.com do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Management.
Copyright © 2001- 2015 East Side Boxing.com - Privacy Policy