He has no defense. He's an offensive fighter pure and simple and will crash and burn when he faces an opponent that can hurt him.
He's got a lot of potential at junior middlweight where is he a devastating puncher which will equalize the defensive shortcomings, if he keeps fighting guys naturally bigger than him he is in danger of being stopped before too long, as his power will be less effective as seen in this fight. I think his defense is overally derided, though the biggest problem is that he leaves himself open when he is throwing combinations, I think he is working on that, once he settled down he was using angles to prevent vera from landing and moving very fluidly
Kirkland will have big dificulties against Alfredo Angulo who's tough as nails and has good offensive tools. You could also mention Paul Williams that could keep him far with his jabs. The 154 pounds is now a good division.
he's a sucker for a right straight. he got repeatedly tagged with it even it was telegraphically thrown by his opponent. he is also under-sized for middleweight.
Not even close to being ready for the big league, got hit with straight rights from a very slow fighter, who luckily had no power. At MW I would take the 1 dimensional Miranda to spark him, AA and Pavlik would each do him in 1 IMO. At 154 Forrest can really crack he'd have KO'd this guy tonight, honestly he needs to get in touch With Mayweather or someone because he is going to get sparked when he steps up in class.
Honestly I seen him fight a fighter with a decent jab, alright defense and didn't back down and gave him some trouble.He has good power and a rising prospect but his lack of defense is not good at all. I understand his offense is his defense but what happens when he run in to a fighter who can fight and take him in deep waters? We would soon find out soon or later on what he's made of but for right now hes a solid fighter.
As I've said before. He will get ko'd by angulo. He is a physical specimen w/ decent skills. nothing more. He's also a little chinny and lacks stamina. with that said. ann wolfe is a pretty good trainer though.