Kirkland Laing

Kirkland Laing (born 20 June 1954 in Jamaica) is a retired British Welterweight boxer nicknamed "The Gifted One".

Laing fought 56 times in a twenty year career, the highlight of which was a shock split decision win over Roberto Duran 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 Duran, Laing went missing, blowing his earnings. In that same period Duran was to fight four times, earning an estimated $6m.

Laing continued to fight until he was 40, and after a string of knock out loses was finally to retire following his defeat at the hands of Glen Catley. After retiring Laing lived in a council flat in Hackney, succumbing to addiction. A regular crack user and alcoholic, he fell from his balcony in 2003. Shortly after a BBC documentary by Steve Bunce (made before the fall) was aired. The short film showed Laing to be living the life of a bum, although others who know him questioned the piece's accuracy.

Kirkland Laing now lives in Nottingham, close to his children and family.

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