Difficult fight to call, since both have outstanding offense and weak defense. Anything could happen here, but I've alway gotten the impression that Kirkland is a bit vulnerable, so I'll go with Julio here.
If that's true then I'm betting Ishe works Kirkland over in sparring because Smith has one thing Kirkland doesn't, refined technique. Same thing with Julio. If Kirkland doesn't get KOed here I'll be very surprised.
I go to the gym Kirkland trains but Ann shutdown for most of the time during Kirkland's training camp. Rumor has is that they found out what Ishe Smith said about Kirkland before arriving in Austin to spar. I think it was this article http://www.boxingtalk.com/pag/article.php?aid=16967 Last I heard, Ishe Smith only threw 12 or so punches all 12 rounds during one of their sparring session. Anyways they left for San Jose today but good luck to them.
Prepared to be extremely surprised. If Kirkland gets the win, as I think will happen, I expect you to be one of the first ones to admit that you were wrong about Kirkland and give him his props.
I think Kirkland will find out that Joel is a much better boxer than he has faced...as well as a sturdy puncher.
One day until fight night. Get in your last minute predictions. It's going to be a clean sweep for the Southpaws IMO. Guerrero, Ortiz, and Kirkland will all come away with W's.
Julio is 24 as well... he can change too. I think Julio wins by knockout, but he has to get out of those early rounds unscathed.
If the fight goes deep I think Julio will win a UD. I don't like how Kirkland comes out reckless in the first four like a young aged Tyson. It is exciting but I think Kirkland may become one of the fighters that will have problems if he can't get you outta there before 5.
kirkland vs julio that sounds awesome they're both p-good but it might wind up like kimbo vs houstan alexander with them fighting for points