James Kirkland was once known as the mini Mike Tyson, but legal issues have prevented him from ever living up to Iron Mike's legendary status.
An undefeated Kirkland was nearing a title shot and American middleweight dominance when he was popped for a weapons charge in 2009. He got out of jail, got another shot and violated his probation. After a surprise loss, Kirkland got his head back in the game and reunited with long-time trainer Ann Wolfe. The two reeled off four-straight wins and had Floyd Mayweather's next opponent, Canelo Alvarez, lined up next.
But Kirkland priced himself out of that fight, demanding $2.5 million to fight Canelo. When they moved on, Kirkland was left without a dance partner. He then decided to split with his trainer and manager, and is currently suing Golden Boy Promotions.
It seems that down time got the best of Kirkland. He was arrested once again over the weekend on charges of assault in Texas. With his criminal past in Texas, it seems unlikely that Kirkland will get a light touch, and this could mean the end of a once-promising boxing career.
“I don’t wish him any harm, and I wish he hadn’t gotten into trouble,” Wolfe told the American-Statesman. “He has to come to terms with himself. I hope he can live up to his potential.”
