James Kirkland is Likely To Make Ring Return in October

By Rick Reeno

Junior middleweight contender James Kirkland (31-1, 27KOs) will likely return to the ring in the month of October, according to the boxer's legal adviser and co-manager Michael Miller.

Following his March ten round disqualification win over Carlos Molina, Kirkland underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair two tears in his right shoulder.

Miller told BoxingScene.com that Kirkland's rehabilitation is being carefully paced to ensure a 100% recovery.

Kirkland was offered the opportunity to fight WBC champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez on September 15th at the MGM Grand, but his handlers wanted to avoid the scenario of a rushed rehabilitation and the possibility of reinjuring the shoulder.

Based on the outline of his rehab schedule, Kirkland should be fully capable to begin sparring in the month of August.

A tuneup, to test the durability of the shoulder, is being targeted for October.