James Kirkland to fight Brian Vera on Hatton card
by lcollins1 on Oct 27, 2008 4:17 PM EDT
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PrintJames 'Mandingo Warrior' Kirkland signed to fight Brian Vera on the Hatton undercard Nov. 22 according to boxrec.com
You may remember Vera from his upstart yet controversial win over Irish/UK prospect Andy Lee on FNF.
Between the two Austin, TX punchers Kirkland's occasional head movement is the only sign of defense. The card doesn't mention the weight they're fighting at, which could be important with Vera a career middle and Kirk usually a super-welter or light-middle.
At any weight I've got Kirkland winning by early KO. His straight left and upper-cut left have been brutal to date. However, Vera's got a shot with an instinct to bang and Kirkland's seemingly less than rock-solid chin.
Also, it may be a factor that these two have logged countless sparring rounds together as THE two Austin, TX boxers besides Ramon "Randy" Gatica and Vera's younger brother Gilbert.
Any thoughts?
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Boxrec is particularly unreliable for this kind of thing
When I see a press release from Golden Boy, I’ll believe it. This fight has been rumored for a while, but boxrec often jumps the gun in saying what fights are actually scheduled.
Vogt early, Vogt often.
strange fight
Vera has only fought below 160 pounds once in his career, and I wouldn’t guess Kirkland would be going to middle. But it’s one that obviously promises action. I’ve wondered if Vera’s handlers had just been asleep at the wheel.
Hope it comes off.
"Yesterday I was lying, today I am telling the truth." -- Bob Arum
Most of Kirkland’s opponents freeze in the face of his relentless aggression and power.
Sure, his straight left hand has blasted away opponents, but the reverse would find success as well.
Vera could hammer his straight right hand consistently and Kirkland would have no answer for it.
Kirkland is cut out of the Jeff Lacy mold – meaning he’s not one to adapt very well, if at all.
I’m convinced that if Vera keeps his composure during Kirkland’s early attack and focuses on shooting his short straight right down the pike, Kirkland will taste the canvas. Vera may even score a stoppage win.
by Jim_I_Gotta_Tell_Ya! on Nov 20, 2008 3:07 AM EST reply actions
I like Kirkland
But I think Vera has a real shot at a second straight upset. Of course we’ve also seen Vera drilled by Jaidon Codrington.
"Yesterday I was lying, today I am telling the truth." -- Bob Arum
by Scott Christ on Nov 20, 2008 6:32 PM EST up reply actions
The most likely outcome is Vera losing by KO/TKO.
But, (ideally), if Vera did the right things like shortening and straightening his punches, focusing on timing Kirkland’s wide lunges, and smartly utilizing the best weapon against a southpaw – the straight right hand – Vera could give himself a shot at the upset.
But will he do any of this, is the question?
He barely threw any straight rights against his last southpaw, John Duddy.
Vera will probably get caught up in some stupid macho display and trade toe-to-toe and get his ass knocked out.
Vera is as wide as kirkland, but slower and lighter-hitting.
The way to beat Kirkland is for a boxer to execute a superior game plan.
In truth, I don’t think Vera has that game plan – and he’s not that boxer.
by Jim_I_Gotta_Tell_Ya! on Nov 20, 2008 10:48 PM EST reply actions
typo* Andy Lee (not Duddy)
lcollins1, the straight punch doesn’t necessarily have to carry so much power; what counts is that they’re stiff/short, not telegraphed, and well-timed.
The impact against the force of Kirkland’s unguarded forward lunge would be enough to shake him up.
No, Vera doesn’t ordinarily throw straight shots, but this is the kind of thing that’s worked on for weeks in camp in anticipation of fighting a purely offensive puncher.
Has Vera’s trainer set down any viable strategy for him to follow or will it be business as usual?
If he fights in the same way he did against Andy Lee he’s definitely going to get knocked out.
by Jim_I_Gotta_Tell_Ya! on Nov 21, 2008 2:47 AM EST up reply actions
Andy Lee, not Duddy
Vera can’t throw straight punches with much power. Kirk can throw a straight left very effectively. He does rely on a rounder left more than he needs to though.
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