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By Cliff Rold - An anticipated clash of proven power punchers turned into a showcase bout for one of the game’s most exciting young fighters at The Tank in San Jose, California on Saturday night. With constant pressure and sledge hammer force, 24-year old Jr. Middleweight James Kirkland (25-0, 22 KO) of Austin, Texas needed only six rounds to run over a man only recently seen as one of the sports brightest prospects, 24-year old Colombian Joel Julio (34-3, 31 KO). It was Julio’s second straight loss, only one fight after a failed but distance attempt at the WBO’s 154 lb. title.
In the Tyson-esque fashion fans are growing accustomed to seeing, the black trunked southpaw Kirkland, 153 ˝, raced from his corner and fired a straight left to the body. Another straight left the head was blocked but a short, measured lead right hook forced Julio to his left. Off balance, Julio, 154, missed with his right hand and stayed in a defensive posture, circling the ring as Kirkland stalked. Blocking the bulk of Kirkland’s blows through the second minute of the round, an attempted exchange allowed Kirkland room to land his left and right, Julio responding with his own hard right. In the final minute, Julio connected with a pair of lead right uppercuts but suffered a cut over the right eye. [details]
In the Tyson-esque fashion fans are growing accustomed to seeing, the black trunked southpaw Kirkland, 153 ˝, raced from his corner and fired a straight left to the body. Another straight left the head was blocked but a short, measured lead right hook forced Julio to his left. Off balance, Julio, 154, missed with his right hand and stayed in a defensive posture, circling the ring as Kirkland stalked. Blocking the bulk of Kirkland’s blows through the second minute of the round, an attempted exchange allowed Kirkland room to land his left and right, Julio responding with his own hard right. In the final minute, Julio connected with a pair of lead right uppercuts but suffered a cut over the right eye. [details]
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