When hot junior middleweight prospect James Kirkland (24-0, 21 KOs) meets warm prospect Joel Julio (34-2, 31 KOs) expect 
fireworks. It’s only fitting that the arena where the fight takes place this Saturday is named The Tank, because both men have personified this military vehicle in the ring. To be more specific, Kirkland has run over 88% (by KO) of his opponents while Julio has done to the same to 86% of his. Something has got to give.
What gives? In this classic "pick ’em" fight I have a hunch that Julio will give just a little more than he gets. The man also known as the Lovechild has faced superior competition compared to Kirkland. Although both of his losses have come when he has stepped up against this stiffer competition, (Carlos Quintana and Sergiy Dzinziruk), these experiences should serve him well.
If you’re in James Kirkland’s corner, I am sure you’d point out that your guy is another step up in competition for Julio. And based on his track record when stepping up, Julio has failed twice already. I’d counter that by saying that both of Julio’s losses were to fighters who are slicker boxers than Kirkland. Kirkland backers could counter that awkward brawler Cosme Rivera almost beat Julio, and that Kirkland is superior to him.
That’s what makes this fight so tough to call. What will happen when these two knockout artists meet on Saturday?
I’m taking Joel Julio over James Kirkland (W 10).
Kirkland wins on spirit and heart.
I’m not liking his chin and “roughness around the edges” though. He’s a tough SOB (agreed). My initial thoughts were Kirkland, for that reason, but skill usually beats will more often than not.
Mr Dawson is right on this one.
Julio will circle and thump his way to a win.
Props to Mr Dawson for choosing to review a hard fight to call.
@Joe:
Hahaha, thanks, but no thanks, for the props Joe. Check the fight archives, I have called a few close ones, and even gotten them wrong on occasion. I am sure that tickled you. haha
This fight will end in knockout in one of two ways: either Kirkland will KO Julio inside three, or he will get KO’d himself. Either way, don’t get up to go to the bathroom!
Champ
Queens,NY
You’re probably right, but something tells me it may be a distant fight. That would be an upset in and of itself.
Don’t get me wrong, I really like Kirkland – he fun to watch; but at this point in his career, he’s Jeff Lacy before running into Calzage.
Champ
Queens, NY
Ouch!