Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank
This weekend fight fans will be treated to some wonderful and interesting matchups. One specifically that may steal the show and thunder from all of them is James Kirkland vs. Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia.
This matchup–although not filled with top-heavy names–brings two exciting and action packed fighters together for what may just be a barn burner.
First, we look at Kirkland, who is coming off a long layoff after going over some legal issues with his former promotional company Golden Boy Promotions. Now a member of 50 Cents promotional company SMS, Kirkland looks to get back into the mix of things in the Middleweight division.
Once regarded as a top five Middleweight, Kirkland looks to prove that he has no ring rust and Tapia is just a small block on the road.
Kirkland will have to look very impressive and dominant in the fight in order to show fans that he is still a fighter to be on the look out for.
Let’s not forget that prior to his legal battle, he was a name selected to face Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in September of 2012, but dropped out because of contractual issues.
In the other corner we have Tapia, the Jersey born native who is looking to make a splash in the division.
He is out to prove to himself and the naysayers that he is a true contender and should be regarded as one. In his last fight, Tapia controlled and dominated the older and slower Elco Garcia.
Although Tapia was able to get the victory, Garcia was able to catch him with a few good shots that seemed to wake Tapia up.
In spite of that, Tapia demonstrated a higher ring IQ and looked good with his movement and ring generalship. There is no doubt that Tapia is the better boxer of the two.
Read on for keys to victory for each fighter in this highly anticipated matchup.
