He relied on good reflexes and was fast. He fought with his hands down, but usually got away with it. Colin Jones got him, though. He was like a poor man's Roy Jones.
Its Probably between Kirk and Herol Graham for UK's most talented boxer not to win a world Title ( I'd Add Bunny Sterling on his night ) I understand Kirk used to turn Sparring Partners on their in the Gym.. but drove Terry Lawless mad by not applying himself to training or Honing his skills, Camp member Lloyd Honeygan did and look what happened, But Kirk was a law and hindrance to himself... Beats Roberto Duran... Pulls a long disappearing act then an imposter turns up and gets iced by fred Hutchins... It does not make sense really Fantasy Match Kirkland Laing Vs Gypsey Joe Harris
I could never understand his not capitalizing on the Duran win. Without looking it up and from memory, I think he took a year off which was ludicrous when the iron was hot. I saw his fight with Fred Hutchings and, as it was the first time I had seen Kirk fight, I really expected more. I was amazed when I saw how he fought with the hands by the waist and they couldn't pick a worse opponent for him fighting with that style. Hutchings was known as 'the pumper' because of that jab of his and he had a field day with Kirk. Am I correct from memory that Kirk was ahead on points both times until Colin Jones lowered the boom?
Kirkland Laing just liked to party all the time. Ganja, all night parties, booze, women, reggae. I don't wanna stereotype but this guy was, y'know .. Jamaican.
It is true , there are loads of things about Kirk, where he once was supposed to be boxing on a show, and they found him smoking ganja on the day playing cards, He loved to drink and smoke and party all night, he was not really cut out for boxing apart from the obvious natrual talent he had. which at top level is not enough.
