Kirkland Laing is a retired British welterweight boxer nicknamed The Gifted One….who 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…..as Laing was a two-time winner of the British welterweight title….winning 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 Duran….Laing went missing while blowing his earnings. In that same period Duran was to fight four times, earning an estimated $6 million.Laing continued to fight until he was 40…. and retired after a stoppage loss to future world champion Glen Catley.
Mike Picciotti was an American boxer from Philadelphia, PA. nicknamed Pic…..who is a member of the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame…..ended his 10 year professional career at 31 wins 4 losses and 3 draws with 16 KO’s as a welterweight and super welterweight. His career was built on numerous appearances at the Spectrum, 69th St. Forum & AC casinos…..who retired Kevin Rooney and split 3-bout series with Johnny Cooper (1-1-1).
This welterweight bout was a good fight that went the distance with unanimous decision won by Kirkland Laing.
