James Kirkland Scheduled for Prison Release

Onetime junior middleweight contender (154 lbs) James Kirkland has been scheduled for release to a halfway house on October 2nd.

Kirkland (25-0) has been serving a 2 year sentence for a parole violation stemming from his possession of a firearm. Having served 2 1/2 years for armed robbery, Austin, Texas-based Kirkland was prohibited from purchasing or owning a firearm.

Recognized as a big puncher and rising talent, Kirkland was scheduled to fight on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao - Ricky Hatton light welterweight championship fight (140 lbs) in May 2009. His arrest and subsequent conviction cost him this opportunity. In a show of support, Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya attended Kirkland's sentencing hearing.

"I told the judge that James made a stupid mistake that cost him dearly," De La Hoya told ESPN.com after leaving the hearing."I told the judge, yes, we all make mistakes and we all need role models. I want to take James under my wing and guide him. He's never had that before. The judge was great on giving him that time because he could have given him a lot longer."

"With time served, good behavior and a halfway house, we can fight him within the year," De La Hoya said."He's only 25. He did the crime, he's going to do the time. It's up to him after that."

ESPN: Kirkland Bound for Halfway House Oct. 2 (June 10, 2010)

ESPN: Kirkland Gets 2 Years in Prison (September 23, 2009)

Deadspin: Boxing's Bleeders

Deadspin recently ran a story about the role of bleeding in boxing.

While some people are drawn to the sport for this reason, others are obviously turned away.

Regardless, it is a constant in the sport as is evident in this clip from "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler's rematch with notorious bleeder Vito Antuofermo.

Deadspin: An Ode To The Bleeders

Fight Night - Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Shane Mosley

Brief post, but it is worth noting that this match-up has been in the dreams of fight fans for years.

"Sugar" Shane is a Hall of Famer who defeated Oscar de La Hoya twice, although he was using performance enhancing drugs in their second encounter. This was a Golden Boy much closer to his prime than the shell that Mayweather retired years later.

Mosley proved that he is still a top talent in his close decision loss to Miguel Cotto and recent demolition of Antonio Margarito.

Floyd's return from "retirement" saw him showcase his defensive skills and uncanny speed against an over matched and undersized opponent Juan Manuel Marquez. Despite his undefeated record and recent mega fights with de La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, this will be Floyd's first encounter with a legitimate top welterweight (147 lbs).

Regardless, Mayweather will have the edge in speed and defense over the aging Mosley. Despite Shane's impressive resume and recent resurgence, he may age in this fight. Mayweather will make his case for the pound for pound title. However, he will not realize this until he fights Manny Pacquiao.

Mayweather by decision.

Cadet Boxers Develop Their Fighting Spirit: New York Times

Interesting article in today's New York Times about the boxing team at Westpoint and their recent national championships.

"For more than 100 years, the United States Military Academy has required incoming male cadets to complete an introductory boxing course. The first lesson, both basic and brutal, never changes. Fist, meet face."

Read the rest of the article here:

Cadet's Develop Their Fighting Spirit: NY Times

Weekend Fight Card

In MMA, this weekend finds top pound for pounder George "Rush" St. Pierre defending his UFC welterweight belt (170 lbs) against Dan "The Outlaw" Hardy at UFC 111 in Newark, NJ. Brit Hardy (23-6-1) will be looking to emulate his training partner Matt Serra's stunning upset of St. Pierre (19-2) three years ago at UFC 69. While the hard hitting Hardy says he is up to the task, do not expect St. Pierre to make the same mistake again. Instead, St. Pierre should continue his recent streak of dominance with a win and further his case as the best P4P in the world.

Also at UFC 111, Frank Mir takes on Shane Carwin for the interim heavyweight belt. Mir (13-4) claims that given Carwin's size and style, this will be a good tune-up fight for the champion Brock Lesner. If the fighters stay on their feet, the hard-hitting Carwin 11-0 will have the advantage as Mir has proven adverse to getting hit in the face. If they go to the ground, Mir's jiu-jitsu will carry him to a victory.

In the square circle, the most intriguing fight will be the next chapter of Showtime's excellent Super Six World Boxing Classic. "King" Arthur Abraham takes on Andre Dirrell in the second round of this super middleweight (168 lbs) tournament. In his first round fight, Abraham (31-0) knocked out and possibly retired former middleweight champ Jermain Taylor. Dirrell (18-1) lost an ugly split decision to Carl Froch in his first round fight. Dirrell won an Olympic bronze medal as a middleweight for the U.S. in Athens in 2004. German Abraham held the IBF middleweight belt for several years before moving up in weight for this tournament. His vicious knockouts of Edison Miranda and Taylor should concern Dirrell, especially given that his first defeat of Miranda came after surviving several rounds with a severely broken jaw. Dirrell slick southpaw style and sometimes ugly clutching and spoiling tactics could frustrate Abraham's normal conservative approach. Dirrell's grabbing in particular caused issues with the judges in the last fight, but his style was effective in slowing down Froch. Abraham should be prepared to up his punch output and work the body rather than staying behind his normal hands up, peek a boo defense, waiting to land the big punches. This fight will be determined by his game plan for Dirrell.

Here are the latest odds for boxing and MMA.

Enjoy the fights.