Kirkland Laing facts for kids

Kirkland Laing (born 20 June 1954 – died 9 June 2021) was a British boxer. He was born in Jamaica. People called him The Gifted One. He was a welterweight boxer. Laing had 56 fights in his twenty-year career. A big moment was his surprising win against Roberto Durán in 1982. This fight was even named upset of the year by Ring Magazine. Kirkland Laing also won the British welterweight title twice. In 1990, he won the EBU welterweight title. He achieved this with a knockout win over Antoine Fernandez.

Early Life and Beginnings

Kirkland Laing was born in Jamaica in 1954. He later grew up in Nottingham, UK. From a young age, he showed great talent in boxing.

In May 1972, he won the 1972 Amateur Boxing Association British featherweight title. He was boxing for the Clifton ABC at that time. Kirkland dreamed of competing in the Olympics. He wanted to be like his hero, Muhammad Ali. However, he was not chosen for the Munich Games that year. Within four years, he became a professional boxer. He trained at the famous Lawless's gym.

The Gifted One's Style

Kirkland Laing earned the nickname "The Gifted One". He had a unique boxing style. He often kept his hands low and stood with wide legs. This style looked risky, but it gave him great balance. He could bob and weave to avoid punches. This special style helped him win against Roberto Durán in 1982. This victory should have been a turning point in his career.

Career Highlights and Challenges

Laing's boxing career was sometimes inconsistent. He did not always perform his best, even against easier opponents. After his big win over Durán, Laing took a break from boxing. During this time, Durán fought four times and earned a lot of money.

In 1989, Laing lost a fight for the European Welterweight title. But he won it a year later. He defeated Antoine Fernandez with a knockout in the second round. This was one of his highest achievements in boxing.

Kirkland Laing continued to fight until he was 40 years old. He retired after losing a fight to future world champion Glenn Catley.

Life After Boxing

After retiring, Laing lived in Hackney. In 2003, he fell from his balcony. The reasons for this fall are not fully known. A BBC documentary about Laing was shown shortly after.

In 2009, a book about his life was released. It was called "The Gifted One" Kirkland Laing Through the Eyes of Others. Oliver Jarrat wrote this book. It took him six years to research. The book shares many stories from people who knew Laing well. These included his managers, trainers, and opponents.

In 2015, a picture of Laing was bought by the National Portrait Gallery, London. Photographer Chris Moyse took the portrait.

Kirkland Laing lived in a care home in Blidworth, near Nottingham. He passed away on 9 June 2021.