A lot of people felt he was done before the Alvarez fight, which I just saw is almost 3 years ago. He already was quite inactive before that. And current 154 is top heavy, with Hurd, Lara and Charlo e, who all 3 seem like poison for him.
He was done before the Canelo fight.... let alone now. Probably will make an ill fated return at some point then 'officially' retire after another ko loss.
He was originally offered the fight with Joshua Clottey on Hbo, but refused it because he wanted more money$$$. Rosado ended up taking the fight. I bet he wasnt really injured to fight Cotto he just wanted more $$. Kirkland has always been difficult for promoters to deal with such as Gary Shaw AND GBP.
Last I heard he linked back up with Wolfe (for what seems like the dozenth time in their on again/off again deal). But hasn't fought since that happened and not a peep about him. He's 34. Crazy to think he's only fought once in the last nearly four and a half years.
I liked Kirkland a lot. He was a beast with Wolfe in his corner. She prepared him for war. She was tough af. Kirkland just got tired of the grind. He paid for it against Canelo which is the most he ever needed her. He played the game and got paid well. He should retire. Hopefully he invested that money properly. Idk much about him outside the ring.
james was always in trouble with the law , all types of distractions. and his chin wasnt all that great. ann wolfe over worked him. your prime isnt gonna last long if u train like that. and thats why his career didnt last long. then wen he picked a new trainer ishida nailed him hard and it was all down hill from there for the most part. canelo sealed the deal his all set.
All those brutal all nighter sex sessions with Ann Wolfe caught up with him. You can't do that six nights a week 50 weeks a year and expect to perform at the highest level in any sport, let alone one as physically demanding as boxing. He was so depleted by them he got KTFO by a Japanese fisherman who couldn't punch his way through cobwebs if he was wearing steel gloves.