James Kirkland Gets Released From Prison and Plans His Return to the Ring

Added on Oct 05, 2010 by Brian Blake in

Boxing

One of the most dangerous fighters in boxing’s junior middleweight (154 lbs.) division will soon be making his return to the ring. The undefeated James Kirkland was released from a Texas jail last week. Kirkland was arrested and subsequently locked up in April of 2009 after being pulled over while carrying a firearm. It was a violation of Kirklands parole which was ordered following a 2003 robbery conviction.

Kirkland (25-0, 22 KOs) once again has the chance to turn over a new leaf and live up to his full potential both inside the ring and out.

“It’s great to have James back and the junior middleweight division has just been put on notice,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “I know how hard he works and he’s been waiting for this moment to prove to the world that he shouldn’t be judged by his mistakes in the past, but how he fixes those mistakes and becomes a role model for young men and women everywhere.”

As an amateur the Austin, Texas native achieved much success in becoming a four-time Silver Gloves Silver Gloves Champion while compiling an impressive 134-12 record. After losing in the finals of the National Golden Gloves competition Kirkland opted not to pursue his Olympic dream in favor of becoming a professional prize fighter.

After his 2001 debut, Kirkland went on to reel off ten consecutive wins, most of which by knockout, before his 2003 arrest put his career on hold for two and a half years. His return came April of 2006 with a third round TKO of Manny Castillo in South Carolina.

Just over two years later Kirkland would defeat Eromosele Albert in just 66 seconds to win the vacant WBO NABO junior middleweight titile. A step up in class ensued as he defeated Ricardo Cortez and fellow Texan Brian Vera with second and eighth round technical knockouts, respectively.

The last time Kirkland was seen in the squared circle was in the main event of a HBO Boxing After Dark bout, taking place in March of last year, with Joel Julio in which Kirkland was declared the victor at the end of six rounds.

Kirkland is very much looking forward to putting his checkered past behind him and redidicate his life to the career that was close to making him a household name.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and pick up where I left off,” said Kirkland. “I apologize to all my friends, family, team members and fans for everything that happened, but I promise that I will make everybody proud in the coming months and years.”

Kirkland is in position to do just that as he has full support from his promotional team to make a quick return to the ring following his 17 month incarceration.

“It was unfortunate to see what James went through, but he has served his time and I know he has learned from his mistakes,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “James is a fine young man and we’re behind him one hundred percent as he pursues his dreams in and out of the boxing ring.”

While no official date or opponent has yet been announced for Kirkland’s return to the boxing ring, his representatives at Golden Boy Promotions expect it to take place sometime this fall.