James Kirkland vs Joel Julio March 7th

Who wins this slugfest? I'm going with my boy Kirkland, he's a beast. Honestly I am a bit worried about his chin though, he seems to eat leather and he's been rocked a couple times in his career. With that said I think he'll be too much animal for Julio to deal with.

Here is an interesting piece from Iche Smith, who fought Julio and recently sparred with James Kirkland. Interesting read and interesting prediction:

(quoted from BT)

Had you ever sparred with Kirkland before?

IS: No. When I came down here I have to say this is probably one of the best camps I have been part of. It is probably top 3 with Shane Mosley, Fernando Vargas, Vernon Forrest and now James Kirkland. Those are some of the best camps I have been a part of and I may have to put this up there at number one. They were just honest and good people. James is a good person. All his trainers and people are good. I came down here and had a good time. I hadn't been in the gym and I hadn't fought since August. The day before I was supposed to come I found out I was going to be the only sparring partner and that I would be going 10-12 rounds and I was out of shape and I know a lot of fighters would have turned around and said no. Usually when I go to camp I am the number one sparring partner and I only go 4 rounds, maybe 6 at the most. I wanted to come down here and see where my heart was at. I wanted to see how I would deal with a fighter of his caliber when I was out of shape. I know he is a strong puncher. I know he is a young hungry fighter. I wanted to really see where my heart was at and see how I would react to being hit. Needless to say I was proud of myself and I weathered the storm and I came home healthy and safe. I never hit the canvas and I was never hurt. He hit me with a couple good body shots but I was never hurt. I was never in danger of going down.


You have fought Julio before and now you sparred with Kirkland. Do you have a prediction for their fight?

IS: Julio is a natural power puncher. How can I put it. Julio to me is like Trinidad. Trinidad doesn't look strong but he is strong. James Kirkland has the shape and build of Mike Tyson. If he grabs you he can squeeze you. He has a lot of strength. I think that with that being said he is an animal. Julio is going to have to knock him out to beat him. There is no punk in him at all. He is a young determined fighter and I don't see Julio beating him. I honestly don't. He is too strong and too hungry. Too determined. To break it down the speed edge goes to Kirkland. The power is even because James had on 16 ounces and Julio had on 10. Chin I would have to say probably would go to Julio because I don't recall him ever being down. Determination I would give to Kirkland. I just think he has more intangibles. I don't see anything Julio can do to offset James. You have to be determined to not go down against Kirkland and that is what I was. The first day I got in at 2 in the morning and was sparring at 1000am. I didn't eat any breakfast or anything. I sparred 12 rounds with him. Whatever they threw at me I did it. I was determined not to go down. I wouldn't quit. I don't think Julio can deal with that.

I think Kirkland lays him out within 5 rounds

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Originally Posted by JazMerkin

I think Kirkland lays him out within 5 rounds

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I highly doubt this, Julio is very durable, sure he's hit the canvas before, but so has Kirkland. If Kirkland can rely on his jab he could cruise to victory, but if he starts to slug Julio will be right there with him. I don't understand why sparring with Ishe Smith is going to benefit Kirkland at all against Julio.
I voted for to close to call.

This one ends early with Anne Wolfe trying to revive Kirkland

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Originally Posted by killersheep

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Originally Posted by JazMerkin

I think Kirkland lays him out within 5 rounds

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I highly doubt this, Julio is very durable, sure he's hit the canvas before, but so has Kirkland. If Kirkland can rely on his jab he could cruise to victory, but if he starts to slug Julio will be right there with him. I don't understand why sparring with Ishe Smith is going to benefit Kirkland at all against Julio.
I voted for to close to call.

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Agree 100% thats how Kirkland has to win.. outbox him

Kirkland has a solid jab,he has to use it,he often forgets its in his arsenal when he smells blood,he cant do it this time.

Great match up, im going with Julio 8th rnd stoppage.

joel julio by ko in 3

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Originally Posted by kingfrnk

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Originally Posted by killersheep

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Originally Posted by JazMerkin

I think Kirkland lays him out within 5 rounds

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I highly doubt this, Julio is very durable, sure he's hit the canvas before, but so has Kirkland. If Kirkland can rely on his jab he could cruise to victory, but if he starts to slug Julio will be right there with him. I don't understand why sparring with Ishe Smith is going to benefit Kirkland at all against Julio.
I voted for to close to call.

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Agree 100% thats how Kirkland has to win.. outbox him

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To bad for Kirkland he has no idea how to box.

I'm rooting for Kirkland but I have a feeling Julio will catch him with a big shot.

Kirklands defense consist of him being able to take a good punch.