Kirkland survives knockdown, stops Angulo in sixth

Kirkland survives knockdown, stops Angulo in sixth

By John J. Raspanti, Doghouse Boxing (Nov 07, 2011) Doghouse Boxing (Photo © Roberto Fernandez / Hoganphotos - Golden Boy Promotions)
-

Photo: Juan Manuel Marquez (Photo © German Villasenor, Doghouse Boxing)

By John J. Raspanti, Doghouse Boxing: In a classic throwback fight from another time, James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland (30-1, 27 KOs) scored a thrilling sixth round TKO over Alfredo “Perro” Angulo (20-2, 17 KOs) at the Cancun Center in Cancun, Mexico.

The fight got off to a rip roaring start as Kirkland came out at the bell throwing wicked hooks and body shots. At the 30 second mark Angulo countered a Kirkland hook with a bodacious right hand that landed flush on Kirkland’s chin sending him crashing to the canvas. Angulo jumped on his dazed foe figuring he had the victory in the bag. There was no way Kirkland was going to survive. He ripped some shots to the body and head but couldn’t land the big bomb that might have ended the fight. Kirkland was fighting back and regaining his legs. With a minute still left in the round, it was apparent that Angulo had punched himself out. Kirkland seized the initiative and turned the tide, unleashing a savage right left combination that staggered Angulo.

With Angulo offering little resistance, Kirkland moved his attack to the head. Another combination sent Angulo down to the canvas for the first time in his career. Angulo beat the count and survived the rest of what could easily be called the round of the year.

Kirkland continued his onslaught in the second round. Angulo attempted to counter, but his punches were slower and lacked power. Kirkland’s stronger punching resumed in round three as he laced Angulo with slashing uppercuts and wicked body punches.

In round four Kirkland showed off something new from his arsenal, a thumping right jab. His deadly combinations were still landing as Angulo showed amazing courage and resiliency. But, he was wearing down. Kirkland coasted some in round five which annoyed trainer Ann Wolfe. She yelled at him to him to get back to work which is exactly what he did in round six.

A minute into the round Kirkland nailed Angulo with another combination of punches that had the brave warrior reeling. As Angulo wobbled against the ropes, and caught some more punches, the referee stopped the fight giving Kirkland his biggest win and some major redemption.

Kirkland was gracious after the win. “I can’t take anything away from Angulo”, he said. “I put everything on the line. I trained super hard because we knew Angulo is a true champion.”

On the opening bout of the HBO undercard, Peter Quillin (26-0, 20 KOs) scored a sixth round TKO of Craig McEwan (19-2, 10 KOs). Quillin had won every round at the time of the premature stoppage.

-- Questions/comments j ohnboxing1@hotmail.com

For much more boxng headlines and videos, visit the homepage at DoghouseBoxing.

Write for Doghouse Boxing: anthonyc1974@gmail.com.

NEW: Follow Doghouse Boxing on FaceBook!
For more Boxing News 24/7 and so much more...
visit our homepage now!