The Canelo Alvarez vs. James Kirkland fight definitely did rinse out the bad taste left in the mouths of fight fans after Mayweather-Pacquiao became exactly what we all expected it to be. This is not to say the mainstream fans will even notice. They are quite comfy and cozy in their disdainful "boxing is dead" speech that gets dusted off every decade or so. Meanwhile, us die-hards finally got this generation's Hagler-Hearns. Now, its true that Kirkland may never even win a world title, much less be a hall of famer, but as far as non-stop punching for 3 rounds, where chin made all the difference, this was as close as we have gotten to that legendary fight, 30 years ago.
I'd like to congratulate all involved for their piece of this beautiful puzzle that came together. Thanks for Alvarez, for remaining calm under Kirkland's assault, and delivering pinpoint accurate power-punches. Not since his one-punch KO of former undisputed welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir has he looked so fearsome. Thanks to Kirkland for continuing his pressure assault, after his predictably bad opening round. He came back from bad first rounds against Angulo, Tapia, and others, but could not do so against Ishida, or Canelo. Yet, he knew nothing was to be gained from holding on for dear life, so he gave himself the best chance to win, by moving forward.
Thanks to Ann Wolfe, for allowing herself to be a part of the promotion, even though she was not part of the fight. This opens the door for Kirkland to return, even though there wasn't much she could have done for Kirkland on this night. Kirkland's promoter 50 cent even said it was his goal to get them back together. Perhaps a title shot against Andrade or Bundrage may be in order. He's certainly earned it more than the Charlo brothers, and after last Saturday, probably has more fans in Houston than they or Lara (who all make their homes there). Thanks also to referee Jon Schorle. Had the fight taken place with many other referees (Pat Russell, Terry O"Conner, Jose Cobian, etc.) it would have certainly been waved off towards the end of the first. Schorle (who has blown calls in Kirkland fights before... i.e. Molina) instead let it continue, and the fans got 2 more rounds of great action.
Thanks to HBO for airing the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight prior to the bout, so fans can see the full contrasts that boxing offers. Thanks to Frankie Gomez for not making weight. His fight with Soto would have certainly been forgotten if sandwiched between those two giants, and now Gomez' ridiculously slow development can continue where it belongs... on smaller cable channels. Thanks to Max Kellerman for asking the hard hitting questions of Canelo, namely about Cotto and GGG. Canelo did not exactly call out Golovkin, but definitely said he wanted to fight him. "Not next" is everyone's answer to GGG, but Canelo is the only one whose actions have backed up his words in taking tough fights.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com