Fight Review: Kirkland shocks Angulo

Match-Up
Performance
Significance
Demand
Commentating

Cancun, MX– To sound of “America’s Most Wanted”, James “The Truth” Kirkland (29-1-0 | 26 KOs) stepped into the ring to face off against Alfredo El Perro Angulo of (20-1-0 | 17 KOs). In a night bout that presents two never back down fighters, we were treated to witnessing the pupilage of two great trainers- Nacho Berastain and Ann Wolfe.

From the opening bell, both fighters came out aggressive. It was clear early this bout would not be a game of hide-and-seek. The pace was frantic as both fighters landed punches with ease and with little regard for defense.

28 seconds into the first round, as Kirkland was pressing the fight, Angulo landed a straight right hand through the center of Kirkland’s guard that seated the Austin native on the canvas. This was not a flash knockdown.

Kirkland legs were visibly unstable as Angulo launched his assault. Alfredo poured on the punches, landing more bombs on Kirkland how showed tremendous resilience in staying on his feet. After throwing punches for 2 minutes straight, Angulo began to lose steam. Kirkland regained composure, his legs and surprisingly, control of the fight. James was landing bombs and Alfred was on the defensive and in danger of falling. In a shocking turn of events, Kirkland put Angulo on the canvas with a :15 seconds remaining in the round. Compubox for round one was telling. A total of 173 punches thrown between both fighters. Angulo landed 37/74 (50%). Kirkland 28/103 (27%).

Kirkland continued his assault and landed a left hook that rocked Angulu. Alfredo looked exhausted but not quite out on his feet. Kirkland was the clear aggressor in this round as Angulu backpedalled and offered his best effort to clinch, jab, and keep Kirkland at a distance. Alfredo offered a flurry of punches that found their target to end the round. Compubox numbers were more furious the second round. 269 total punches thrown. Kirkland 55/169 (33%). Angulu 42/100 (42%).

This was a battle of will power. Kirkland came out looking to land his big left hand as Angulu slugged with more fire this round. Kirkland was landing his left with ease and Angulu was land straight lefts and right hooks the same. Midway through the round, the fighters slowed down- Kirkland more than Angulu. James was taking a break and Angulu was pressing the fight. 30 seconds left int her round and both fighters begin throwing punches in a burst of energy that persisted up to the bell.

Kirkland came out swinging in the fourth round landing 4 punch combos that kept landing. This would only prove to be short stanzas of energy as both fighters settled back in a more moderate pace that was still very steady. Kirkland still have Alfredo on the defensive and did his best to cover, roll and evade punches and pick his spots. But Kirkland was landing more than he was missing. with 20 sounds left in the round, Kirkland had landed 39 punches to Angulu’s 5.

In the 5th round Alredo landed a solid right hand that momentarily stunned Kirkland. James weather the punch and landed a huge left of his own a few moments later. Angulu is showing true courage taking this barrage.

This one of those fights where no one loses. Both fighter’s stock rises as a result of this slugfest.

Ann Wolfe told Kirkland “This guy ain’t going no where. So calm down and just go to work.” Neither fighter had been to a decision in at least 4 years. In round 6 the referee stopped the fight as Kirkland continued to land bombs as he could not defend himself. This was a good stoppage by the referee as Angulu was was out on his feet and was not able to defend himself.

A star is reborn as James Kirkland finished with a TKO victory in resounding fashion. This was not a championship fight, this was supposed to be a title eliminator for Saul Canelo Alvarez’ belt. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem likely that Canelo will face Kirkland. We’ll have to wait to see who steps up to face Kirkland next, until then, relive the Kirkland and Angulo full fight here.