It was May 9th, 2015. Many fans were disappointed with the long awaited Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao superfight just one week prior, and declared boxing dead. No one told the 31,588 in attendance at Minute Maid Park about this, as they came to see Mexican sensation Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) against the heavy-handed James Kirkland (32-2-1, 28 KOs). Canelo was the big favorite against Kirkland, who realistically was never going to outbox Alvarez but did have a puncher's chance.
Fans who craved entertainment and just pure violence after Mayweather vs. Pacquiao got their wish with Canelo vs. Kirkland. The action was fast and furious from the start, but Kirkland's upset bid was thwarted by Canelo, who knocked him down three times, including a supremely vicious right hand in the 3rd round that put Kirkland down without any need for a ten-count.
With Canelo just days away from his own superfight with Puerto Rican legend Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) on PPV, HBO Boxing has released the full fight between Canelo and Kirkland to the public. You can watch the clip at the top of the page, and if you're impatient, skip to 11:50 for the end.
Bloody Elbow will have complete coverage, including play-by-play and results, of Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez on Saturday, November 21st. For daily boxing news and opinion, be sure to check out Bad Left Hook.
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