KIRKLAND READY TO STEP UP AND CHALLENGE THE TOP FIGHTERS AT 154
Posted on | December 7, 2007 | No Comments
Interview With James Kirkland
By Matt Yanofsky
I had the pleasure of speaking with Junior Middleweight prospect James ?Mandingo Warrior? Kirkland 21-0 (18 KO?s}. Kirkland was victorious On November 30th; impressively stopping the dangerous Allen Conyers in the first round after Conyers sent him the canvas for the first time in his career.
MY: James, First off congrats on the win. Allen Conyers shocked a lot of us by putting you on the canvas and this was your first time dealing with adversary tell us about it.
JK: It was a surprise but something I needed to experience. I will continue to work on my defense. The punch didn?t hurt me I was caught off balance because my back foot was up and I was trying to turn away while he hit me and that?s what dropped me.
MY: Your last two Showbox fights have not gone past two rounds. Do you get frustrated that outside of Ossie Duran, no one has been able to give you rounds or are you pleased to get quick stoppages over fighters who are generally regarded as tough like Billy Lyell and Mohammad Said?
JK: I?m happy, it?s been a privilege to be on Showbox and put on a good fight and show the people who I am. It?s always good to get them out of there quickly.
MY: You?ve been featured plenty on Showbox. Are you happy being on Showbox or are you thinking about moving up and fighting on Showtime Championship Boxing or HBO?
JK: I love Showbox but as far as the whole world seeing me, HBO and Showtime Championship Boxing is where I want to be in my next fight.
MY: James, the division currently has four different champions. Out of the 4 champions Cory Spinks, Vernon Forrest, Joachim Alcine, and Sergiy Dzinziruk which one would you want to fight the most and why?
JK: I am not very familiar with Alcine or Dzinziruk. I would love to fight Spinks or Forrest because if I press the fight, I can beat them. I?ve seen Forrest and Spinks train and fight plenty of times so I?m very familiar with them. I?d beat Alcine or Dzinziruk too even though I haven?t seen them fight. That doesn?t make a difference, because I don?t watch tapes of any of my opponents.
MY: Recently, a few of your stablemates have ripped your promoter Gary Shaw and Nonito Donaire took it public. How would you assess your promoter and do you feel he is doing his job?
JK: Gary has done a good job for me. He has gotten me good fights and put on TV. I will allow Gary to help me become a world champion and im satisfied with his handling of me.
MY: When can we expect to see you in the ring again?
JK: Mid February to early March. My manager and promoter will work to get me the best opponent available.
MY: Thanks for your time. What do you have to say to your fans and the readers of Unlimitedfightnews.Com?
JK: Keep watching me when im on TV. I look forward to showing you bigger and better fights vs the top guys at 154 and keep rooting for me.