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Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions
Much of the buzz surrounding Kirkland’s return to the ring was about who would be in his corner. Kirkland has had a long, off-and-on relationship with former trainer Ann Wolfe. Together they have had nothing but victories, though she will not train him for this fight.
Rick Morones Jr., a San Antonio native, is now the trainer preparing Kirkland for the biggest fight of his career. Few will forget Kirkland’s only loss was without Wolfe, which makes fans practically superstitious about who trains Kirkland. However, Morones explains his goals for coaching Kirkland.
“It’s up to him to say, but I think he was looking for more of the boxing. James felt he needed change, and felt he needed more in this fight,” said Morones. “We want to keep the same James Kirkland, the one fans want to see. We want to keep that same animal mentality, but also to just have him be smarter in the ring.”
Kirkland sounded focused during a media conference call a few weeks ago. You can tell by what he says that he understands the pressure to prove to himself and the world he can stand on his own two feet.
“I definitely feel like I have a lot to lose and a lot is on the table for this fight…I am a force of nature that overrides. With heart, my heart is bigger. When it comes to will, no one has my determination. With speed, no one has my speed. When people ask about it, it is a fight you don’t have to worry about. Canelo and I will meet in the middle of the ring and that is where it will all take place.”
During the same conference call, Canelo sounded confident as always, expressing that he understands the power and danger Kirkland brings to the able. This, Canelo insists, will not stop him from winning the fight.
“Kirkland is very dangerous because his punch is very powerful, very extreme. His punches come from all angles. But, mostly his power, he can beat a fighter with one punch. My goal is to fight the best in the world and the fans get what they want. Independent of the styles, I want to fight the best. We are preparing knowing what we have in front of us.”
“He crazy. He f—ing crazy,” said SMS promoter Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson, on why Kirkland is difficult to keep up with. “They usually don’t give you all of the footage of a world war. But you’re going to get a chance to see one when you tune in.”
