Kirkland Laing defended his British welterweight title against George Collins
Date: November 15, 1989
Venue: Rivermead Centre, Reading
Laing stance: orthodox
Collins stance: orthodox
When a boxer is called "The Gifted One" even winning the British welterweight title twice, and the European title, plus beating Roberto Duran in his prime is an underachievement. His hands down, legs wide stance was extremely unusual in Britain at the time, and no one who saw him box could deny he was supremely talented. Alcohol and drug abuse, plus a lack of effort in training ruined what could have been a stellar career.
Laing turned pro in 1975. His first big test came in 1980 when he met unbeaten Welsh slugger Colin Jones for the British welterweight title. Laing was 18-0-1 at the time, and many observers felt Collins was being sacrificed to further Laing's career. For eight rounds, Laing thoroughly outboxed Jones. In the ninth round, Jones caught up with his elusive tormentor and it was all over. Laing lost a rematch to Jones a year later in similar fashion, and it appeared his days as a contender were over. A year after that, Laing was given a chance to share a ring with Roberto Duran in Detroit, and he beat the Panamanian on points. He kept plugging away, and five years later, he won the British welterweight title against Sylvester Mittee. In his most recent bout, Laing lost on points to Nino La Rocca for the vacant European title.
George Collins was considered a future world champion whilst he was still boxing as a junior amateur. He won around 46 consecutive junior amateur fights before losing his very last amateur bout to Gary Stretch. Collins turned pro on his 17th birthday, with his promoter giving him a signing on bonus of £50,000. Four years and 35 fights later, Collins was unbeaten against 35 journeyman. Most of them did not have winning records, but a few were half decent at domestic level. The first big test for Collins came in his 36th contest, when he was matched against Scotland's Gary Jacobs in April 1989 for the Commonwealth welterweight title. Collins suffered his first loss, but acquitted himself well over the 12 rounds. He was still only 22, and next up was a shot at Laing's British title, fighting on home turf.
For an in depth look at their respective records, visit:
Kirkland Laing - https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/2495
George Collins - https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/29904
Date: November 15, 1989
Venue: Rivermead Centre, Reading
Laing stance: orthodox
Collins stance: orthodox
When a boxer is called "The Gifted One" even winning the British welterweight title twice, and the European title, plus beating Roberto Duran in his prime is an underachievement. His hands down, legs wide stance was extremely unusual in Britain at the time, and no one who saw him box could deny he was supremely talented. Alcohol and drug abuse, plus a lack of effort in training ruined what could have been a stellar career.
Laing turned pro in 1975. His first big test came in 1980 when he met unbeaten Welsh slugger Colin Jones for the British welterweight title. Laing was 18-0-1 at the time, and many observers felt Collins was being sacrificed to further Laing's career. For eight rounds, Laing thoroughly outboxed Jones. In the ninth round, Jones caught up with his elusive tormentor and it was all over. Laing lost a rematch to Jones a year later in similar fashion, and it appeared his days as a contender were over. A year after that, Laing was given a chance to share a ring with Roberto Duran in Detroit, and he beat the Panamanian on points. He kept plugging away, and five years later, he won the British welterweight title against Sylvester Mittee. In his most recent bout, Laing lost on points to Nino La Rocca for the vacant European title.
George Collins was considered a future world champion whilst he was still boxing as a junior amateur. He won around 46 consecutive junior amateur fights before losing his very last amateur bout to Gary Stretch. Collins turned pro on his 17th birthday, with his promoter giving him a signing on bonus of £50,000. Four years and 35 fights later, Collins was unbeaten against 35 journeyman. Most of them did not have winning records, but a few were half decent at domestic level. The first big test for Collins came in his 36th contest, when he was matched against Scotland's Gary Jacobs in April 1989 for the Commonwealth welterweight title. Collins suffered his first loss, but acquitted himself well over the 12 rounds. He was still only 22, and next up was a shot at Laing's British title, fighting on home turf.
For an in depth look at their respective records, visit:
Kirkland Laing - https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/2495
George Collins - https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/29904
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