By James Slater: Fans witnessed a massive upset back on April 9th, as the returning James Kirkland was stunned and stopped inside a round by little-known Japanese fighter Nobu Ishida on the Maidana-Morales under-card in Las Vegas. Seen by many as a future champion, the thrill-a-minute southpaw had won two fights since being released from prison and Ishida looked to practically everyone like comeback victim number-two. Well, we know what happened.
Many fans wrote Kirkland off after the three knockdowns he suffered against the relative non-puncher; claiming Kirkland’s punch resistance had deserted him. Fans also pointed to “The Mandingo Warrior’s” break-up with former trainer Ann Wolf as a big factor in his loss. Now, according to top writer Steve Kim, Kirkland, 27-1(24) has recently reunited with his former trainer, and he is looking ahead to his next fight.
Reportedly, in the works and close to being made (for the under-card of the to be rescheduled Joseph Agbeko-Abner Mares clash on Showtime) is a fight between Kirkland and Nicaraguan wild-man Ricardo Mayorga. Kirkland’s attorney, Mike Miller, is the source Kim has got this news from.
An interesting fight, a clash with Mayorga could prove a tough assignment for the Texan. Certainly, Kirkland had better tighten up his defences when he gets in there with the former champion. This is where Wolf will come in. The talented trainer, who perhaps knows Kirkland better than anyone, cannot do anything about her fighter’s chin, but she can teach him not to be so reckless and in a mad rush to score the KO.
Mayorga, a decade older than Kirkland at age 37, announced his retirement shortly after his stoppage loss to Miguel Cotto, but he changed his mind almost immediately and he will more than likely be up for the Kirkland fight in a big way. It sure is easy to anticipate “El Matador” coming out with his trademark trash-talk ahead of this one!
Mayorga, 29-8-1(23) may be way past his best, but against a vulnerable Kirkland who may be lacking some self confidence due to what happened to him on April 9th, the Nicaraguan can in no way be written off. Kirkland, on the other hand WILL be written off by many more fans if he loses for a second time; especially if he is stopped again. A risky return fight to be sure, Kirkland deserves credit for even looking at taking this fight so soon after his hammering at the hands of Ishida.
It’s good news that Wolf has got back with Kirkland, and if anyone can get the exiting warrior back on his feet it is her.