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)