The Night Roberto Duran Challenged Mentally Unstable Laing

Welcome back to Boxing After Dark! Roberto Duran is facing one of the most challenging periods of his professional career, coming off two losses in his last four bouts to Sugar Ray Leonard and Wilfred Benítez. Tonight, he aims to reclaim his path to victory against the formidable Kirkland Laing in a thrilling 10-round bout.

[sltenderhand]

Being from Hackney and of Jamaican extraction I always had a soft spot for Kirkland. Met him a couple of times and he was lovely. I wish he could have capitalised financially on his immense talent. RIP

[johndasilva]

I met kirkland laing once . He was very polite and friendly. He kept saying without me asking him, he was going to train and take training and boxing seriously. Their are many only if could have and maybe boxers in boxing, laing was one of them, an unpolished diamond.

[chadczternastek]

Boxing nights with my Grandfather were the best times of my entire life. I wish I knew how great it was then. I remember this vividly. I recall huge paragraphs of conversations.
You wont ever see great story arcs like this ever again.

[colorman]

Wilfredo Benitez (shown earlier defeating Duran) was that era’s most underrated and forgotten fighter.

[charlesmarcus]

RIP champ. You beat one of the best ever in Roberto Duran. Not many men on the face of this earth will ever be able to say that.

[austinbeige]

I loved watching Laing. He was one of the most entertaining boxers of his era.

[MarleneWalker-suku]

Don King talking about a man ruining his good reputation, is like me talking about losing a rolex watch.Ive never had one😂

[trinkabuszczuk]

This should've been the springboard to launch Kirkland into the big money fights and forge a legacy. It wasn't. Kirkland went missing and partying for a year. In the same year, Duran fought four times and earned $6m. That's the difference. 😢

[Duel]

For one night Laing put it all together and gave a glimpse into what was possible when he was disciplined and firing on all cylinders. He had the talent to be one of the greats, like Duran.

[Huckster-tjif]

Kirkland Laing's foot work bouncing in on two feet & sliding out on two feet brilliantly

[dennisking]

RIP Kirkland, fought into his 40’s a very proud British fighter,

[Tmus]

Kirk and his brother used to come to our gym and show us kids how to punch. I remember watching him hit the bag as a kid .He used to hit harder than the heavyweights. He was such a nice guy. RIP Kirkland 😢

[mwbright]

Duran was always my favorite fighter. Nothing lowered my feelings toward him.

[prince]

Duran one of the best ever imagine if he always trained and stayed 100% between fights focused. Would have been unbeatable

[ianmoran]

Used to see Kirkland from about 2004 onwards.he did what he brew n loadsa pipes😮
But he was a bless chilled guy, plus he could still knock you out, trust me...he didn't need to though.
Sleep well kirk

[Bigpun-owki]

As a Brit Kirkland is my favourite boxer of all time he was a true gentleman out of the ring. There’s a great documentary on him by Steve bunce In short he was awesome his style was so unique rip Kirk you beautiful soul ❤

[markkevorkian]

Imagine don king saying someone is going to leave a bad impression

[lifefamilyfitnessboxing]

I sparred with Kirkland Laing & His brother Tony Laing at the Colveston gym Hackney, the Royal Oak Amateur Boxing Club Hackney (Homerton). I also Sparred with him at The Thomas A Becket Old Kent Road south London. This man has exceptional talent and was so quick in the ring. Kirkland lacked motivation. I know exactly what destroyed him. Weed/ Marijuana. Kirkland smoked this drug very heavy and was addicted. This drug affected his motivation to train and made him too chilled. I was doing road work with Kirkland before some of his serious fights and he would just stop running. He would then say to me "SHALL I CONTINUE"? I TOLD HIM "YES! COME ON MAN! DON'T GIVE YOUR OPPONENT THE ADVANTAGE". He really lacked motivation. Do not smoke ever weed, it triggers off other serious mental issues. What a great wasted talent. May he and his brother R.I.P

[marktottman]

My favourite t shirt in the mid 80’s was a Pro Glen white one with Kirkland Laing’s face exclaiming ‘The Gifted One’. Loved his style & of course this marvellous win against one of the world’s best.

[stanthurman]

Roberto Duran played in a movie, Harlem Nights, Eddie Murphy, Redd Fox, Richard Pryor, he was a door greeter and ask if they needed him to kick ass, they said no, .