James Kirkland returns after 4 year layoff

Popular knockout artist James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland (32-2, 28 KOs) returns from a 4-year absence on August 24 at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas. The 35-year-old Kirkland will take on journeyman Colby Courter (13-14, 10 KOs) in a six round middleweight bout. It will be Kirkland’s first fight since a KO defeat against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in May 2015.

In addition to Kirkland, the card features three other fighters under the Davies Entertainment banner. Middleweight Eddie Ortiz (8-0-2, 4 KOs) battles Jas Phipps (10-6-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder, welterweight Daniel Baiz (13-1, 5 KOs) meets Marquis Hawthorne (7-11, 1 KO) in an eight-rounder, and middleweight Benjamin Whitaker (11-3, 2 KOs) faces Raymond Guzman (3-2, 2KO) in a six-rounder.

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  • Lol poor Kirkland all I can think of when I hear his name is him during the face off just prior to the opening round vs Canelo, there was Kirkland trying to mad dog Canelo with the meanest stare and Canelo wanting nothing to do with it, then POW! There was Kirkland sprawled out on the canvas looking straight up at the lights he didn’t know what hit him lol, those pre fights stare downs mean absolutely nothing lol. I wonder if Kirkland still sees stars now he was blasted pretty bad that night.

    • Mr. Lewis are you the comedian? Because it appears you never fought. If you have, then you are an outright adolescent. Moreover, laughing at knockouts are equivalent to those who bully and steal from the elderly.

      • Actually a more accurate comparison would be those who laugh at bicycle accidents. Finding humor in someone else’s misfortune can be hilarious, especially if it is Karma. Mad Dog stare down is a form of bullying, and sometimes the bully gets exactly what they were giving.

  • Best of Luck on Your Coming back to the Ring. Little Brother. Take this fight seriously and God will is on Your side Bro. I use to box Myself a I Love it. Me and You Talked at McDonald’s In Grand Avenue Parkway in Round Rock Texas. And I wish You the Best of Luck and I will Pray For you and Your family. See what them Hands can do., YOUR Boxing Spanish Brother. Noe Pizana.

  • “Coach”. Yes matter of fact I have boxed, dozens of times in sanctioned bouts. I just didn’t like the way Kirkland came off trying to be a bully trying to intimidate Canelo. Look I get it bozo, if a fighter looks at his opponent and gets no reaction then leave it alone try and instill that fear with your fists. I never mad dogged my opponent and always waited to let me fists do the talking. But one thing that always enraged me was when my opponent tried to bully me and intimidate me with a staring contest and that’s what I seen from Kirkland. So there’s reason behind it.. Ok sunshine? Have a great day coach.

  • Stare downs are a big part of the game and also tells the spectators they are determined and confident that they could beat there opponent. It doesn’t always translate that way but it does sometimes give an edge to fighters. Case in point Mike Tyson was notorious for doing this and many fighters wilted psychologically before the first bell rang.
    Kirkland was an unstoppable force to be reckoned with before prison. However the key ingredient to his success was missing on his quest to return to the top. Long time trainer Anne Wolfe. Her militant take no prisoners methods have worked wonders on Kirkland’s boxing career. Ironically his first defeat was by stoppage to a light fisted Japanese fighter in IIshida. And even when they reconnected she had her work cut out to get him back on track.
    When I heard the news of him fighting Canelo I was excited but felt he needed a few more fights. Then weeks later I learned Wolfe would not be in his corner. This was the nail in the coffin. Kirkland was a deer in headlights awaiting his tragic fate.

  • Kirkland can do whatever he wants, but if I were his handler, I would advise against him comming back. He’ll prolly destroy this dude, and any other tomatoe can faces, but the minute he starts fighting top fighters, he’s going to get punished. The unfortunate thing about Kirkland is, he’ll keep getting back up to take more punishment. He has a lot of heart, and a lot of power, and not a lot of defense. This makes for epic fights for fans, but not good for his brain, which you can practically see getting jarred as he absorbs punches

  • Kirkland is a warrior. I love him he is not only handsome and good looking but he’s really tough cookie and such a handsome man.

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