The Gifted One: Kirkland Laing
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- Опубліковано 21 вер 2024
- Kirkland Laing was called "The Gifted One", a genius within the confines of the boxing ring. He was an enigmatic individual who never did things the conventional way, and maybe that was his problem - life and boxing came too easily to a man who seemed to have a glorious future ahead of him. As a result, he will be remembered for what might have been. If he had had the discipline to go with his talent then who knows what he could have achieved?
I was a police Sgt in London in the 1980’s and had the pleasure of meeting Kirkland and the opportunity to discuss his life and career with him over a cup of tea. An intelligent, articulate and thoroughly decent man you could ask to meet. I respected him as a fighter and more as a person. God bless you Kirkland.
Then you should've called him 'Kirk' or 'Laing'. He'd have no respect for you pig..and gtfo the comments.
You absolute clown @@wesleypresley1000
@interestingvideos4728 that sort of thing of course never happened
Im jealous! I never even heard of Laing before and im sad to see him go.
I met Kirkland and Mickey Duff at a boxing show I boxed and won almost 28 years ago. Kirkland had been missing from the boxing scene for a while. Everybody was having dinner in the boxing show and I was waiting to box later just relaxing in the lobby of a hotel and I walked into Kirkland as he came back into the hotel. I shadow boxed and moved around with him, telling him about my Jamaican father and how I was gonna make it and how he had to watch out for me that night. Even went over to his table and had my picture taken with he and Mickey. I was so pleased to meet him and I told him how special he’d been the night he beat Duran. So much natural talent, beautiful footwork, but just poor application on his part. He had little life skills growing up poor, didn’t know how to save, and when things came easy, them easy go, quickly!
When you beat Roberto Duran.. there is nothing else to say.
kirkland lives in a rehab home on the outskirts of my town in east yorkshire! you often see him at the shop or walking through town with a can of extra strength larger and a smile on his face! still a lovely bloke despite his demons! always game for a chat!
I live in Redcar. ..where about in Yorkshire is he...I am anthonyryan800@gmail.com
Let me get this straight it wasn’t a rehab place it was a care home we’re they should of been looking after him with a one to one
Sad that he has passed away now mate.
RIP to the great Kirkland Lang, what an amazing boxer.
Kirkland was my absolute boxing hero back in the day...and still is...a real genuine product of his environment that transcended himself through pure skill power and artistry....respect to a bonafide dread..rip mi guy.
Thank you for all the entertainment you brought to fight fans.Loved the Jones fights,i remember as a 13 year old kid shouting at the tv for you to put your hands up.
RIP great man.
Just found out that he passed away yesterday, one of the first fighters that made me a boxing fan.
He was an inspiration to me as a very young amateur boxer. Loved his style and confidence in the ring. Never had anywhere near is talent and gave up boxing long before there was any chance of going professional. Also, sadly, followed his lifestyle too. Too many of us young kids wanted the glory but never had the self-discipline to pursue it. Wasn’t much guidance about in them days. Respect and love to this man, RIP, you are not forgotten mate ❤️
I boxed amateur fights for years, and know intimately the hardships and struggles of this loneliest of sports.
Kirk made it.
He beat one of the greatest fighters ever, and a man who will live forever in the books of history, roberto Duran.
Kirkland Laing.
God bless you my brother.
Sleep easy champ.
His defeat of Duran was one of the biggest upsets ever.
Yanks and Diegos still can't accept it.
Man, that was a hard watch. Rip champ, the fight is over. Rest easy
R.I.P "the gifted one"
If he was a footballer, he would get all the support and help, he could ever want. Boxing is a brutal sport, but it's even more brutal when boxers quit the ring. Rest easy champ 👍
Yes sad
@@mattycosta9074 Kirk never died from alchol you got your facts wrong
@@brucelee7921 no love love you all got it wrong he never died from alchol he’s been cared for the last 13 years
He did t quit the ri g get your facts right lol
@@mattycosta9074 helping what situation
Been rewatching Kirks fights, what a talent he had. I used to watch him as a kid in the eighties with my dad, we loved it when Kirkland was fighting. He’ll NEVER be forgotten. A legend.
Thankyou for your kind messsges from Kirkland’s family
@@VVsFunWorld you are very welcome. Kirk was an amazing man. A nice man and a gifted boxer. He will be sadly missed and never forgotten. He was I think the first boxer that caught my imagination with his style, it was so instinctive. God bless his soul and god bless you. 💥🥊
@@TheGreatest1974 were gona put some pics of him on you tube and his fueral i think ppl think kirk was just left after his drinking but he came back to nottingham after his fall and me his daughter looked after him to th end so i think it would be nice for his fans to see he has a baby and and sadley died hie women had a stroke and moved back to her family in wales and kirk lost his self long story but life goes on ill uoplad soon asd i can
sorry i was ment to say he had a baby and died and his baby mother had a stroke and she moved bk with her family and when his career was over he went down the wrong path he was a drinker but never a druggie never took drugs but he did have a brother that was on drugs and pretend to be kirk i think thats were the confusion comes from
I remember marvelling at Kirkland’s style and skill when I’d watch him as a kid. He was brilliant.
Rest in peace champ
Thankyou for you kind messages
RIP Kirkland.. amazingly gifted fighter. Truly harrowing footage. God bless 🙏
Thankyou from Kirkland’s daughter & family
@@VVsFunWorld So sorry for you & your families loss. Your Dad was without question, one of the greatest fighters this country has ever had. A fine legacy to leave behind. 🙏
@@kieranbetts1021 that’s lovely Thankyou for showing us support
@@VVsFunWorld
This was a harrowing watch for me as I watched your dad fight but never knew what happened to him. Wish you and your family all the best at this time. 🙏🏾❤
@@armoris66 Kirk got sorted out that’s for sure & was well taken care of & loved ❤️ he still try to run rings round us but that was his character
The boxing community should reach out to this fella. Good luck brother.
Hi I’m Kirkland’s daughter just to let you no the boxing community already have been in touch
I have only watched Kirkland fight on youtube, but coming from a boxing family his name was well known to me when I was a kid in the early 80's. I find this video heart braking and he even admits he was the architect of his own destiny. If he had kept himself of the right path he possibly would have been a world champion. I've never read his book, but apparently he's living in Nottingham now with his family and people who love him. All the best Kirk and you were a great.. Best wishes, John...
Your right Kirk was with his family and living in a care home he ran rings round them they lovec him and did a lot of things with him we would also have him at home with us on days out Kirk was well looked after and was still smiling he was happy a happy man 🥊🥊🥊
What a brilliant bloke I'll never forget him RIP brother 💔 💪🏿
R.I.p champ what a character around hackney u was
Hi steve Thankyou for your message from Kirkland’s daughter
@@VVsFunWorld your dad was one of the greats ☘️
@@VVsFunWorld Your dad was an amazing fighter, my he rest in peace from all boxing fans.
@@pooooornopigeon Thankyou 🥊
@@VVsFunWorld your old man was a brilliant fighter🥊🥊 Rip champ
I teared up first time I seen this year's ago, now Kirk has passed, teared up again, Kirkland Laing was a truly loved wonderful Phenomenon, God Bless him and his family 🙏Belfast Ireland 🇮🇪 🙏
Kirk got sorted out and me his daughter took well good care of him Thankyou for your message 🥊❤️
@@VVsFunWorld 🙏 🌞
@@VVsFunWorld I was born&raised in that area, into what was a typically large Irish ☘️ family of 8(And even though I moved out of the country over 20 yrs ago it's always with u)
And I can remember seeing him around the Clapton Pond area(I actually didn't realise we lived so close by &his Brother lived in the nxt road to my mom's!.
.So wth that little Bio out of the way,regardless of what he didn't achieve in the Ring(any anyone who followed"Prize fighting" Boxing is what Amateurs do!) He still became and did something that so many didn't! He was a British&Euro Champ,which is no mean feat!
.Now of course he should have had more to show for his efforts,but they're was less cash around in those days!,(and so should his family)But at least his reputation as a Human being and "Prize fighter"weren't questioned and will remain intact! (accept for perhaps not really fulfilling his potential).
And here's something u might find appropriate for ur Dad!!
Do not stand at my Grave and weep,
I am not there,I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the Diamond glint on Snow,
I am the sunlight in ripened Grain,
I am the gentle Autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift putting rush of quite birds
In circling flight,
I am the soft starlight at night!
Do not stand at my Grave and weep,
I am not there,I do not sleep,
Do not stand at my Grave and cry,
I am not there,I did not die!..
By Mary Elizabeth Frye--1932
Anyway I wish u&ur family all of the best!👍
Thankyou ❤️🥊
RIP. Top documentary. Always sounded like a gentle soul.
You can't say "where did it all go wrong" for a man who stepped in the ring with Duran and won. You just can't. What a talent.
I think Kirk could tell you...but he enjoyed himself...We loved him.
RIP Kirkland Laing, he was a character he beat Roberto Duran in. America he was decent fighter. Never won a World title, 🥊🙏
Thankyou for you messages from Kirkland’s family
RIP Champ a great fighter with a big heart
Your name should never be forgotten bless you champ 🤛🤛
beautiful thankyou from his family
By far the most talented British boxer I have ever seen. Was one my boyhood heroes and still love him now. God bless you Kirk.
surpenc love your comment
thankyou
Loved the man, gave me lots of great memories, Duran fight is a classic, Very talented, RIP
Rest I’m Peace Kirk. You had one of the best styles ever...
I'm not a boxing fan but a man of 60+ now from Nottingham who remembers going into the snooker club above Rose's jewellers off Clumber St a lot in the early 80's and he was in there a fair few times, chatting to John Rose. Gave my little group of teenage boys a lot of encouragement,my highest break, 57, had Kirkland as a backdrop and cheerleader.
I was in an industry where i met a fair few celebrities, Nottingham had very successful football and cricket teams then and Rock City was buzzing but the most memorable, impressive and down to earth was Kirkland. RIP.
Interesting story. Great to see Kirk's fights again online.
However I felt that the presenter chose to make the movie more about himself rather than Kirkland. There were a lot of i 's in there.
Kirkland is a man of his own destiny, and life can be tricky enough all on its own without trusting a guy making a movie at his expense with a consistently patronising tone, projecting concern and not really giving a toss cos if he did care, he woulda done or said something other than walk away saying " I not sure that I really wanted to find the Kirk that I found, I left Kirk, I left Kirk to his memories... ".
Yeah man, I bet you did.
Well said.
You were spot on 7 years ago Steve Rogers and you're spot on now. Bunce used kirklaind rather than helping him he bought him another can of alcohol to get his scoop than "left kirk to his memories". ....bunce made his name off this video went on to have his own TV shows for 15 years...on setanta...on boxnation...he had 6 hour marathon shows...not once...not once did he have kirk on....kirk was loved by all, stylish and a great raconteur...he had cleaned himself up after 2003....but nothing...no mention no help...the story had been told bunce wasn't interested...kirk was just a stepping stone
Bunce is a horrible man
If this man had the discipline he could have been the world welterweight champion. I guess it was just a case of having too much talent, and, because of that neglecting the discipline, sacrifice, and training side of things. RIP Kirk, and thanks for the great boxing memories. Thanks for uploading.
Slick,quick excellent boxer..
A free spirit. Rest in peace champ.
God bless him, I remember watching this first time around and now after reading the tale in Buncey’s column in today’s Boxing News. I hope he’s looking after himself and in good health ❤️🥊👍🏻
KIrkland Laing, regardless of what ever comes of you? You were truly one of the most unheralded British champs ever.
manos3790 respect to youn
Banged on his door at 12am? Cheecky fucker, i wouldn't have answered at that time.
God bless you Kirkland Laing you Legend.
thankyou
I remember looking for videos of Kirk on UA-cam a fair while ago and there was nothing. Remember his phenomenal hand speed and always looked forward to watching him fight. Who are we to criticise where he is now? As Kirk said himself "I am a man of my own destiny". Good luck Brother and thanks for some good memories.
Yes well said my dad lived a very full life and was munched loved and taken care of he was such a character
@@VVsFunWorld I am so sorry for you’re loss. My heartfelt condolences to you all. I will never forget the magic of ‘The Gifted One’ ❤️
@@Richard_Gatecliffe_Photography that’s lovely Thankyou for that
What an awesome talent, such a gifted boxer, few could hold their own with Duran. Wish him well, wherever he is now, wish him much goodness, bless brother!
I wonder if some fighters wd trade a world title for a win over Duran? I wd say in a sense he DID make it to the top.
Bt Duran n don king gave Duran a bonus n told him to retire. Kirk went missin unfortunately for a yr partying. Duran the next year beat Davey moore for the 154ibs title
R.I.P Kirkland LAING the most talented brit not to win a world belt, him n herol Graham..
@@salvatorelucania5203 always a champ in my eyes.
He beat the best of all time.
I used to road sweep around Hackney downs and see kurk training.. We became friends back in 93.he brought me to the jyms he'd trained in. Wat a diamond. Rip buddy.
British boxing has lost a hero for those of a certain age who grew up in the 1980’s. Watching Kirkland fight was mesmerising. His style was unique, nobody has ever got away with using a style like that. Kirk used a natural instinct, rarely seen, a true one off fighter. Truly he really was ‘the gifted one’. We will never forget you champ. 🥊💔🥊
RIP The gifted one
Thankyou for your message I’m kirks daughter I really appreciate your kind thoughts
@@VVsFunWorld My condolences to you, so sorry for your loss. He'll never be forgotten that's for sure. Sending love, strength and positive vibes your way.
@@FIGHTGAME100 beautiful Thankyou he will be honoured
@@VVsFunWorld I'm sorry the loss of your father as boxing fan we appreciate his bravery to lace it up and step on the ring. We love Kirk❤️🌹🥊
@@asheru9254 that’s lovely Thankyou we’re you from
Thanks Kirkland Laing for just being you, you beat the best their was nothing else to prove, you did your own thing to which I honour you, from the Isle of Wight.
R.I.P 🏆 you were a great fighter
I see him all the time, I used to think he was just another drunk, walking along like a zombie, then one day someone said, do you know who that is? I said I have no idea that is when I found out. What a shame, the drink has taken over his life.
dave bradshaw some times you have to understand ppl have difficulties in there life’s
Thanks for the great memories kirk .
Rip champ what a great fighter you was sleep easy I hope you found peace got nothing but love and respect for you
Dunno if you following these comments Kirkland, but people still talk about you mate, you still the gifted one
There was something lovable about this cat...RIP
Damn i wish he would have wrote that book. I bet it would have been an awesome read . R.i.p awesome fighter
Miss him around the manors .. some great nights , thanks champ
Kirkland Laing,one of British Boxings unsung heroes, how sad it was to see his demise, that said let us remember him in the days of his many succeses, a great gifted champion, with a huge personality.
Dr McKenzie Hons Divinity.
This was a hard watch, but I’m glad Steve Bunce caught up with the Gifted One, RIP Champ. 😥🙏🌹🥊💥
Bunce,a man that makes a living about boxing knowledge without actually knowing anything.
I well remember Kirkland running around the marshes like a greyhound, impresive to say the least---my best wishes to him hope things go well!!!!
Yep you are right there he use to take us kids there Thankyou for your kind message Kirkland family
@@VVsFunWorld you’re welcome he was a highly talented fighter and cool 😎 guy!!!!
@@rowdyyates4273 Thankyou again
@@VVsFunWorld was Kirkland's wife from Hong Kong? Thanks and my deepest condolences. God Bless
@@keungkau9215 well first she wasn’t his wife she’s from England half white half Chinese
A very sad story. rip. A major talent in boxing during the eighties, who should have had a big career and made a lot of money.
Excellent Buncey. Laing beating Duran was one of the greatest performances by a British Boxer
I'd buy your book mate.. God bless you Kirklaind Laing..
£190.00 ! He told you that ?
I could ask the man who wrote the book were you can buy it we got ours for free so I couldn’t tell you were to purchase it
@@VVsFunWorld its on ebay at £190
@@VVsFunWorld are you related to kirkland
Yes
Sad to see him like this, he was a champ and could have been a world champ ---if only.
Don’t worry he was alright well looked after by me his daughter and family we soon put that right gif bless 🥊one good thing he don’t remember he was still happy go lucky so a blessing I disguise in my eyes he’s the gifted one Kirk
when he's told he was the champ and he said " i was wasnt i"
So sad he couldn’t take advantage of God given talent
@@Sigma_Sight i would imagine there are many like him, alot of it comes down to luck and being surrounded by the right people
@@agee7777 yea it’s soo hard to watch
He said "I did didn't I" get your words right. SMART GUY.
@@eb5857 Thanks for the complement my friend, all the best to you.
Kirkland Laing was so gifted only if he was more dedicated to the game. I can only imagine what he would have achieved RIP my bruddah ✊🏿
Maverick in and out of the ring. A man you don’t meet every day. The Gifted One ❤️
We made special fighters in the 80s. Today sportsmen are too robotic, no character. What a sad way to go for someone who had it all for the taking. Kirkland Laing 1954-2021.
Why this man died a few weeks back and bbc and boxing never paid a proper tribute is sad ,,,,he was gifted Rip
Loved this guy RIP Kirk x
Truely heart breaking what a great fighter he was
This guy is a legend,and alive and kicking:)see him everyday:)aw
Connor Foster this guy could’ve been a legend. That’s the sad thing.
Aye he is a legend god bless him
Great research video... This is why Eubanks mentors Eubanks Jnr
Kirkland Laing versus marvelous marvin hagler what a fight that would have been all i can say is rest in eternal peace kirkland laing and the legend that is marvelous marvin hagler
Shit man,get his John Hancock,he's a Legend..Should be a movie made about him,if he was American,Hollywood would've knocked by now..The kid who beat Duran,had the World in his grasp but let it slip tru his fingers..It's surprising to think he and Herol Graham never managed to win World Titles.They had the talent, just not the slither of luck one needs to go with it.I genuinely hope he's at peace with himself,the man took enuff hard knocks inside the ring without experiencing them outside as well
I would have loved to have read he's book. You live on in the hearts of those who remember you.
RIP Kirkland, a great fighter..
God bless him wherever he is.a true warrior
Brings a tear to my eye
One of the most talented boxers to ever come out of the UK. He was a man with a heart of gold, boxing community should have helped this him.
Even tho he maybe this way now... he's lived a life most people could never imagine ... beating duran ... makes you immortal
Great words pal........
R.I.P. Kirkland, I sat in awe as a kid the first time I saw you fight.
kirkland....what can i say your a legend with a kind heart ..what an amazing fighter wow xxx
I watched this guy fight when i was a kid, massively talented and a joy to watch with the iffy guard, if there is a book i would love to read it.
me too man.Guard too low.I can hear me dad syining it now, god rest his soul.
loved the way he boxed with no guard
True legend ... substance abuse takes its toll..he was young and had it too early and no support but just users around him 🙏🏼👍
The gifted one,who should of been the champ.God bless u champ
A Great Talent. He often appeared magical on what he could do in the Ring.
That was a tough watch, what a legend, RIP
R.I.P Kirk,you are a great man.sincere condolences to your family.
I remember my Brother Ray & Cousin Johnny were good friends and supporters of Kirkland. Its never too late Kirkland accept the help whats on offer. You've got so much left to give and lots of stories to share. I hope you do write a book. All the best Mr Kirkland 👍
Majestic in the ring and surprisingly coherent about his past in this interview. I remember the late nights spent at home watching "this gifted one" practice the art of the pugilist in front of so many admirers. Hope you write that book soon.
It's strange that those few short years between 17 to 26 or 27 seem to define ones whole life. My friends and I didn't reach any great heights but they were the golden years for all of us. The years that shaped who we are today in our 50's.
I remember watching him when I was a kid he was brilliant
Sad, RIP.. God bless..
RIP Kirkland, the gifted one! Would have loved to have had a chat with the man, legend.
Thankyou for you message from Kirkland’s daughter
@@VVsFunWorld I hope you are doing okay at this tough time, thanks for the reply!
@@Plastico48 we are all holding in there if I knew befor I would of tried to get that chat for you and my dad 🥊
@@VVsFunWorld thanks that means a lot, I've got a signed framed picture somewhere!
@@Plastico48 Rrr wicked are you a fan of his
Huge talent. We all had to wait so long for his next fight.
Brilliant interview. What a nice bloke.
What a fighter I remember him well rest in peace Kirkland 👊
He done so much for boxing boxing should have done something for him rest in peace kirtland
RIP a Hackney man that did great at boxing! 1🔥👊🏾
Following this things didn't get any better for Kirkland Laing. He fell from a fourth-floor balcony in 2003 and was in critical condition in hospital. He recovered from that but then developed dementia and was living in a care home when he died aged 66 in 2021.
Yesterday when i was young there so many songs 🎵 waiting to be sung.
Gotta agree with ya ianandori its a great book I couldnt put it down. Tells Kirks story in great detail. Its a must for any boxing fan who followed British boxing in the 70's 80's and 90's
Such an iconic fighter ! R.I.P Kirkland x
What could have been!He really could have been one of the all time greats,he really was that good.RIP the gifted one...