Im speaking as if I was his manager/promoter not a good move, as a fan of course it will be a great fight. Delvin has shown improvement and moving up in weight seems like he had no problem. But we have to remember what Jesse did to him and right now Kirkland is very hungry and has KO power and we know Rodriguez is hitable. Why not have at least one more fight or even two to build a bigger story? Why take such a huge risk so soon with no large reward after finally earning a well deserve win after so many close fights? Thats what I mean not a good move.
I am sure everyone thought the same about Ishida. Kirkland is to limited. When he fights someone that can box, and move intelligently.... he will lose. Rodriguez can crack a bit to. I am shocked so many people are still on Kirklands jock. He has been hurt many times, dropped a few, and smashed by a Japanese guy with 7 ko's. Not promising.
You dont think that Kirklands trouble, training, personal problems, and perhaps trying to stay active to much after his release play a small role?
Medium risk low reward for Kirkland, Rodriguez threw some really solid shots in by Wolak fights, there's always the chance that he could hurt Kirkland why risk it with absolutely no return. Angulo was high risk, high return...good fight to take, I think this is a bad fight for Kirkland. That said I think he wins, but wouldn't be excited about it.
I hear you. Actually. I don't think anyone gave Ishida much chance at all. For some reason, I think JK is on the right track now. Sure he is vulnerable. Personally, I thought the Ishida stoppage was premature....but he may not have been able to get back in the fight anyway. I just think Kirkland will be able to work his way in and take DR out, who I like BTW.
Good fight. And Kirkland is way overrated since the Angulo fight. He is there for the taken. His chin is shaky and his technique is average. Don't think Rodirgues is the man to do it, but it's going to happen quick.
Not a fan of this matchup... kirkland just went to angulos backyard and won a fight that he was supposed to get stopped hard in... id like to see that rewarded with a fight against canelo, cotto, margarito, a big fight.