Just imagine what this guy could have achieved if he'd applied himself properly. His skills were sublime.
Ultimately i think he must of achieved a lot of Grey Hairs for Trainer Terry Lawless ! Kirkland Laing Vs Gypsey Joe Harris - a match made in ..er the twilight Zone ..?? He Beats Duran - then throws the ability to capitalise on the achievement away by going walkabout for a year, then coming back and getting beat by Fred Hutchins at Lt Middle - Go Figure ! Apparently he used to Stand Lloyd Honeyghan on his head in sparring (?) Was a mile out in front of Colin Jones when not paying attention and falling Prey to a Jones desperation Bomb in the 9th ! - so he has a Rematch and do you think he learns his lesson - does he Heck ! - Some result in a replay ! If Kirk was "all Business" there is no telling what he could have achieved - or who he would have "befuddled" on the word Stage.
When Laing-Duran was named KO Magazine's Upset of the Year, it was compared to the predecessor in that category, Stafford-Cuevas. Essentially, it went something like this: "In defeat, Cuevas is not the fighter Duran is. In victory, Laing is not the fighter Stafford is. Therefore, if Stafford-Cuevas is an upset, what does that make Laing-Duran?" This after the zenith win of Laing's career. I watched both fights, and was far more impressed by Roger "I want Pipino Cuevas!" Stafford. (Al Bernstein thought Stafford was loco.:silly Imagine somebody saying "I want David Tua!" or "I want Julian Jackson!" or "I want Earnie Shavers!") Laing did have speed and talent, but even with 100% commitment, there was a clear ceiling on how high he could climb. No, I did not believe at any time that he would win a world title. I never thought he had the strength and durability to get to that level.
Stafford was a sub-Oba Carr styled ordinary cutie imo.Tidy fighter who fought well, within his physical limitations. Laing had far more physical talent and natural fighting ability, but he also had no dedication, defence or any real properly refined technical skill.He fought like a guy who's whole boxing education was based around watching a few Ali fights and basing his entire style around it. Not really a fan, but he IS a better, more entertaining cult fighter than that hack Augustus, as far as the whole lazy stoner thing goes.
sort of met him once at the albert hall i was walking toward the toilet when i spotted him standing in the corridor , he was high and in a happy place with his *** in hand
From what I've read, Duran just wasn't there physially or mentally when he fought Lang. But, I've never seen the fight. Duran wasn't shot though, so some merit has to be given for that victory. As far as Augustus, I actually enjoyed watching him. His war with Mickey Ward was all action, and Floyd Mayweather admitted Augustus gave him a tough fight. Augustus is shot now, but he gave us some good years, and I think Augustus must have trained hard for his fights, because he really threw alot of punches in alot of them - when he wasn't busy clowining.
boza81, I saw the fight on TV. Kirkland fought beautifully, and wasn't the least beat intimidated. Roberto was just slow, and could never get off. Kirkland would snap a sharp jab, and then side step avoiding Durans slow counters. If I recall, in Rounds 6 and 7, Duran wasn't even punching back. Kirkland was hitting Duran square, and shook him a couple of times, but backed off because it looked like Duran was trying to sucker him inside, where he might have a better chance. Kirkland stayed on the outside, pot-shoting Duran, where he was safe and couldn't be hit by Roberto's slow counter rights. I'm pretty sure it was the 8th Round that Kirkland had his best Round, as he had Roberto back-tracking a little, and bewildered, but suprisingly he backed off. The best part of the fight was at the end of the 8th Round. When Kirkland went back to his corner, clearly winning. But Mickey Duff started screaming at Kirkland, he said; 'Finish him off Kirk, come on knock him out, he's a ****ing old man' Mickey was classic!
Duran also took some flush, head spinning, sweat flying shots without flinching. For me, this was the most listless, disinterested Duran I ever saw in the ring. To immediately congratulate Laing on his win (even before the decision was announced) was tantamount to unconditional surrender, completely uncharacteristic and bizarre behavior for him. Look at the first five people to defeat him: DeJesus, SRL, Benitez, Laing and Hearns. Which name doesn't belong?
Duodenum, Yes, I'm a Roberto Duran fan,,,,,,and after this fight I thought Duran was finished. It was a total and complete non-effort by Roberto. How one judge could have Duran ahead by 6-4-0 was completely absurd. I don't think I gave Roberto more than 2 Rounds, 3 would have been generous, and 4 would have been a Gift from God. Surprised, they never tried for a re-match, with a better conditioned and more focused Duran, maybe 2-3 months later.
Our firm has represented Donovan Boucher,a pretty gifted welterweight from Toronto and he stopped Laing in the early 80's.Donovan is a very nice guy who invested in workout gyms,etc.:good