Four Reasons to Watch Canelo vs. Kirkland

With May-Pac only days behind us, fans maybe feeling a bit of a boxing hangover. Much like a night of partying, we may have over consumed in pre-fight hype because of the promise of a legendary night. As a result the morning after can be tough to swallow for many. Despite, what may have been a less than frenetic pace for MayPac, rest assured the upcoming bout between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and James Kirkland will likely deliver what you were seeking on May 2nd. While they are two very different men with two very different stories both Canelo and Kirkland have the same goal and intend to achieve it the same way. So here are four reasons to tune into Canelo vs. Kirkland.

1. A Texas Shootout

This is a bout in which you will probably see all the action you craved in MayPac. Neither man is a defense first fighter and neither can resist the urge to brawl when summoned by an opponent to do so. In fact, both have gone on record to say that the best fights; fights that fans want to see are the ones where the combatants stand toe-to-toe. Both have the track record to prove it. The result – you’re likely going to see a lot of leather traded in Texas at Minute Maid Park on fight night.

2. Set Up for a Super Fight

While Canelo should not be one to look past Kirkland, it hasn’t stopped his promoters from doing so. Word has it that should Canelo emerge victorious, a bout with Miguel Cotto is all but signed, sealed and delivered. Yet, it seems like Canelo’s promoters are even thinking beyond Cotto. Recently, outlets such as Bleacher Report have been speculating that a bout with Gennady Glolovkin a/k/a Triple G is a possibility. In addition, Canelo’s promotion company Golden Boy has indicated it can happen once Golovkin fights a bonafide middleweight to become a legitimate pay-per-view boxer. In either scenario, Canelo’s next bout has super-fight written all over it.

3. 50 Cent

Yes, Mr. “In Da Club” himself is actually Kirkland’s promoter. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson has established a promotion company – SMS Promotions and Kirkland is the first marquee bout under its banner. Should Kirkland manage to beat Canelo, it definitely puts 50’s company on the map, and assures Kirkland a bridge to bigger and better.

4. The Wildcard that is Kirkland

Speaking of Kirkland, he’s not exactly a slouch. He only has one defeat in his career (same as Canelo), with 32 wins. He also has a solid amateur background where he racked up over 100 victories. Plus, he’s coming off an impressive TKO over Glen Tapia. There has been a change in trainers, the reasons why are still shrouded in mystery. However, if the Kirkland that showed up against Tapia is in the ring on May 9th Canelo will certainly have his hands full.