Jacobs vs. Walker Could Land on Pacquiao-Hatton

Apr 24, 2009 • 12:00 AM ET

By Mark Vester

Undefeated super middleweight prospect Daniel Jacobs (14-0, 13KOs) could replace the removed James Kirkland on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton undercard on May 2 in Las Vegas. Jacobs faces Jose Valera (23-5, 16 KOs) tonight on ESPN2, and if he wins, and has no injuries from the fight, he would face Kirkland's opponent, Michael Walker (19-1-2, 12 KOs).

Richard Schaefer, CEO for Golden Boy Promotions, broke the news to Michael Rosenthal of The Ring Online.

“James Kirkland is an emerging start in the sport so we want to replace him with another emerging star, Daniel Jacobs,” Schaefer said. “Jacobs would take the fight even though it would be a big step up for him. Walker is a true veteran of the sport, a tough guy. It could happen only if Daniel comes out OK. If he gets cut or bruised badly, then it couldn’t happen.”

Kirkland was arrested several days when a loaded firearm was found in his vehicle. The fighter, who is still on probabtion for a 2003 armed robbery charge, appeared in court on Friday and the judge denied his request to travel to Las Vegas for the Walker fight. Kirkland is still being held in federal custody. Kirkland loses out on a $235,000 purse.