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.
Kirkland’s Keys to Victory
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Be the Enforcer:
Glen Tapia will take the role of boxer for the first few rounds, but if Tapia’s past has shown us anything, it is that he can easily be lead into exchanges.
Throw Combinations:
James Kirkland must land combinations successfully; this may be difficult after a long lay-off. Fans can recall how exceptionally slow he looked in the Carlos Molina fight.
Bring the James Kirkland of the Angulo Fight:
It may be necessary for Kirkland to bring the same fire he brought to the fight against Alfredo Angulo. This Kirkland will be relentless and a force to be reckoned with.
Tapia’s Key to Victory
Photo by Peter Amador/Top Rank
Control the Pace:
Glen Tapia should look to be the boxer and tactician in the ring. He should look to take James Kirkland into the later rounds by breaking him down through the rounds. He should try to keep Kirkland off rhythm.
Use the Jab:
Tapia should use the jab consistently. It will be his key punch and will keep Kirkland at bay. Use the jab to set up that powerful right hook.
Be Patient:
As Alfredo Angulo learned, don’t empty the gas tank early. Kirkland can be hurt. Look to break him down slowly by going to the body and stay away from brawling exchanges.
One thing is for sure, both of these warriors are coming to fight and looking for a very important victory.
A win for any of them will set them up as potential titlist in 2014. Fight fans; tune in this Saturday at 9 pm, EST on HBO for a fight that may easily steal the show!
