I believe 'The Gifted One' could have (and should have) become a 'World' Champion. Unfortunately, he let his inner demons (by which, essentially, I mean lack of discipline) take over, and he became just another stepping stone for lesser fighters. Tragic, really, 'cos boy, could he box. Great reflexes, a knockout punch, and loads of charisma. Hell, he even made Panama's finest, old Bob Whatsisface, look a complete chump! However, as many before and since have discovered, booze and drugs take their toll on even the toughest hombre eventually..:smoke
he was ok. the duran win aside he really do much. like many others he had skills but didn't do nearly enough with them to be considered anything more than a solid contender
Wasted talent,had me choked when i read of how he'd ended up a drunk and living on the streets.Never realised his true potential.
laing could of been very good but as said lived the wrong life style to reach the top very sad ,i once went to a fight at the royal albert hall he was there watching saw him later that night in the toilets and he was out of his head with a joint in his mouth giggleing and talking to no one
**** me, i didn't know all about the personal issues...i have to say i feel bad for the guy. it's ****ing tragic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEMP6N3VhhE Kirk schools the Panamanian Bum..... 'tis a joy to behold.
he was mentally incapable of being a top level fighter, so his talent is irrelevant after he beat Duran, I think he went on a tour of London parks raking through bins.
the fact is, he WAS a top level fighter. The point is, what could he have achieved without his addictive personality? He mugged off the 'great' Roberto Duran like he was a naughty little boy!
