Robert Garcia, one of boxing's more prolific trainers, spoke with ESNews recently regarding the announced fight between popular sluggers Canelo Alvarez and James "The Mandingo Warrior" Kirkland, which is tentatively scheduled for May 2 in San Antonio, Texas.
At 32-1-0 with 28 knockouts, Kirkland is one of the best knockout artists in the sport today. He has several big wins on his resume too over the likes of Alfredo Angulo and Carlos Molina, only to have stretches of activity derail his momentum.
The last time fans saw Kirkland fight was December 2013 against upstart Glen Tapia, who fought bravely in Atlantic City but eventually succumbed to Kirkland's power in Round 6. Garcia, when asked about Kirkland's chances against Alvarez, gave him a "great shot" to take a star turn.
"If he [Kirkland] gets in good shape, he has a good shot [at beating Canelo]," Garcia said. "Canelo is still questionable. He beat Alfredo Angulo, but many people think he lost to [Erislandy] Lara. He didn't do much to Mayweather. Mayweather made it an easy fight, so there's still questions there for Canelo. Kirkland's already been there. He's beaten some great fighters and he's lost to some great fighters. So he's got nothing to lose. He's got a great shot."
While Kirkland's power is clearly lethal, his style matches up will for Alvarez. The Mexican star should be lauded for taking on several difficult challenges throughout his career, like the aforementioned Lara, but he's looked best against brawlers.
Alvarez is a sharp, accurate combination puncher so stationary fighters like Angulo and Kirkland are prime bait to be battered by Alvarez's hard shots.
Crafty southpaws like Lara and Austin Trout are the fighters who have made Alvarez look bad; Mayweather does not fight left-handed but his defensive mastery is legendary. May 2 should be a showcase for Alvarez, but Kirkland's power will make it must-watch.
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