Kirkland Laing
Kirkland Laing (born 20 June 1954 in Jamaica) is a retired British Welterweight boxer nicknamed The Gifted One.
| Kirkland Laing | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Kirkland Laing |
| Nickname(s) | The Gifted One |
| Weight(s) | Welterweight |
| Nationality | British |
| Born | 20 June 1954 Jamaica |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 56 |
| Wins | 43 |
| Wins by KO | 24 |
| Losses | 12 |
| Draws | 1 |
| No contests | 0 |
Laing fought 56 times in a twenty-year career, the highlight of which was a shock split decision win over Roberto Durán in September 1982. The fight was selected as Ring Magazine's upset of the year. He was a two-time winner of the British welterweight title and won the EBU welterweight title in 1990, with a second round knockout of Antoine Fernandez at the Wembley Conference Centre.
Laing's boxing career was sporadic, as he often failed to deliver on his promise, appearing under-prepared against less able fighters and indulging in drink, drugs and women. In the year following his victory over Durán, Laing went missing, blowing his earnings. In that same period Durán was to fight four times, earning an estimated $6m.
Laing continued to fight until he was 40, and retired after a stoppage loss to future world champion Glenn Catley. After retiring, Laing continued to live in Hackney, and fell from his balcony in 2003 in circumstances that remain unexplained. Shortly after a BBC documentary by Steve Bunce (made before the fall) was aired. The short film showed Laing to be living life on the streets, although others who know him questioned the piece's accuracy.
In 2009 Oliver Jarrat released the book "The Gifted One" Kirkland Laing Through the Eyes of Others, a detailed account of Laing's life and career which took the author six years to research and complete. The book contains many insights from people who were close to the fighter including former managers, trainers and opponents he faced at both amateur and professional level.
Laing now lives in Hornsea, East Yorkshire.
| Achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Henry Rhiney |
British Welterweight Champion 4 April 1979 – 1 April 1980 |
Succeeded by Colin Jones |
| Preceded by Lloyd Honeyghan Vacated |
British Welterweight Champion 14 March 1987 – 16 January 1991 |
Succeeded by Del Bryan |
| Preceded by Antione Fernandez |
EBU Welterweight Champion 9 May 1990 – 14 November 1990 |
Succeeded by Patrizio Oliva |
| Awards | ||
| Previous: Roger Stafford W10 Pipino Cuevas |
KO Magazine Upset of the Year The Ring Magazine Upset of the Year W10 Roberto Durán 1982 |
Next: Gerrie Coetzee KO10 Michael Dokes |
External links
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