James Kirkland set to return Nov. 6, Ishe Smith could be opponent

Ryan Burton of BoxingScene.com reports that HBO is working on a double-header with Golden Boy Promotions for November 6, and a featured bout would see the exciting James Kirkland return to the ring, with veteran battler Ishe Smith possibly awaiting him.

Smith (21-5, 9 KO) says that his adviser contacted him about the fight, and that he's willing. The 32-year-old has lost two straight to Fernando Guerrero and Danny Jacobs at 160 pounds, giving both tough nights in the ring. A fight with Kirkland (25-0, 22 KO) would be back at 154 pounds, where Smith feels he's a better fighter.

The 26-year-old Kirkland was sentenced to two years in prison last September. Having already served six months when he was sentenced, he's expected to be released on September 17. Kirkland plead guilty to a firearms charge while on probation. It's the second time in his young career that he's lost ring time to incarceration.

Kirkland's last fight came on March 7, 2009, when he stopped Joel Julio in the sixth round. He was building a reputation as one of the most ferocious and exciting fighters in the sport, a potential major future star. A return bout with Smith would be good ring work to shake rust, and also would be a bit dangerous. Smith has a strong chin and plenty of craftiness, and is no pushover opponent.

The bout would paired with a fight featuring Robert Guerrero. Golden Boy is currently looking for an opponent for Guerrero, who defeated Joel Casamayor on July 31. Showtime is scheduled for a November 6 show main evented by featherweight stars Juan Manuel Lopez and Rafael Marquez, so an HBO double-header might go head-to-head, or if we're lucky, Showtime will start early and HBO's Boxing After Dark will begin later in the evening.