While the boxing universe has its eyes on May 2, when Manny Pacquiao will square off against Floyd Mayweather Jr., boxing's next superstar, Canelo Alvarez, will fight a week later in a bout that promises more fireworks.
Alvarez is going to take on knockout artist James Kirkland on May 9, and Kirkland believes he's much more than a live underdog. At 32-1-0 with 28 knockouts, Kirkland is a proven power puncher and could provide a stiff test for Alvarez. If Alvarez respects Kirkland's power though, and chooses to box, Kirkland doesn't think he'll be out of his depth.
"I want to fight Canelo because I know his style. You see something, you analyze it, and I feel like I can beat him," Kirkland said. "I know Canelo is going to put in the work on fight night. I want to be a step ahead of him, so if he comes to box or comes for a slug fest, I will be ready."
Kirkland was once a rising star in the sport, but he's been derailed by long stretches of inactivity. Leading into this fight, he will be on a 17-month layoff; his last fight was a knockout victory over Glen Tapia in Atlantic City. He also is undefeated with former women's boxing champion Ann Wolfe as his trainer.
Wolfe is renowned for running extremely difficult training camps, and at times has butted heads with Kirkland. He has chosen not to use Wolfe in preparation for this fight, the biggest of his career. The last time Kirkland fought without Wolfe he was stunned by Nobuhiro Ishida in Round 1 of what was supposed to be a tune up fight.
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