Paulie Malignaggi is one of those “hate him or love him” guys. He speaks his mind, and he isn’t afraid to say something he believes regardless of the controversy it may cause. Still, he knows the sport of boxing, and he has an authentic way of articulating his breakdowns in a way that is accessible to the casual fans, but scientific enough to be specific.
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and James Kirkland will meet on May 9th in Houston, but the fight will be on HBO, and Malignaggi won’t get the chance to break it down or call it on air. However, Thaboxingvoice.com’s Sean Zittel was able to get the Brooklyn native’s take on the fight and the reality of Kirkland’s chances in a fight that Canelo is supposed to shine in.
“I think it can be explosive for a few rounds. I think Kirkland is going to have to figure out some stuff to deal with Canelo’s boxing ability. Not that Canelo is the best boxer, but he’s a good enough boxer to give Kirkland a lot of trouble. He mixes a lot of shots, he’s got a very educated left hand, and what I mean by that is he can mix a lot of shots with that left hand, and you don’t see it coming. He throws a hook the same way he throws a jab; it just turns into a hook at the last minute. That’s dangerous when you can punch like Canelo. That’s enough skills in his boxing arsenal to give a guy like Kirkland, who comes in straight ahead, a little bit of problems. You got to see if Kirkland can make some adjustments,” Malignaggi said.
Malignaggi was adamant about not discounting Kirkland’s chances in the fight despite the fact that Canelo is the A-side and being put in the fight to look good before a potential fight with Miguel Cotto later this year.
I think that too many people are operating under the assumption that Canelo is primed and facing a Kirkland that could be considered damaged goods. But it shouldn’t be forgotten that it was actually Kirkland that was being groomed by Golden Boy not that long ago and before he lost there was a theory that he’d be one of the most significant money fighters in boxing, or at least in his division.
I’m not suggesting that Kirkland is the same fighter we thought he was or could be 4 or 5 years ago, but certainly his layoffs over the past several years have kept him fresh.
Malignaggi was spot on about Canelo not being the best boxer and Kirkland is a dangerous enough puncher to make his shots count early. This may come down to Kirkland’s preparation and his willingness to work hard for 12 rounds. Obviously Kirkland won’t quit, but working hard for 12 rounds is more about what he does in the weeks leading up to fight night. It won’t matter how willing he is to grind out 12 hard rounds come fight night if he isn’t bringing all he’s capable of against Canelo.
