Kirkland Laing former British and European welterweight champion who also defeated the legendary Roberto Duran SIGNED mounted and framed black & white photo. The frame measures 9" x 7"

Condition of photo excellent (frame slightly marked)

Price: £ SOLD

Kirkland Laing - "The Gifted One"

Kirkland Laing (born 20 June 1954 in Jamaica) is a retired British welterweight 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 Durán 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 retired after a stoppage loss to future world champion Glen Catley. After retiring, Laing continue to live in Hackney, and fell from his balcony in 2003 in circumstances that remain unexplained. Shortly after a BBC documentary by Steve Bunce (made before the fall) was aired. The short film showed Laing to be living life on the streets, although others who know him questioned the piece's accuracy

In 2009 Oliver Jarrat released the book "The Gifted One" Kirkland Laing Through the Eyes of Others, a detailed account of Laings life and career which took the authour six years to research and complete. The book contains many insights from people who were close to the fighter including former managers, trainers and opponents he faced at both amateur and professional level.

Kirkland Laing now lives in the Nottingham area and is believed to have spent several stints in rehabiltion centres, as a result of his one-off drink problem. He still lives a small distance from most of his family in the Nottingham area, excepting his 24 year old daughter Michelle Lee (daughter of Sharon Lee) who lives in Harrow, London and his 16 year old son Kya (whose mother is Paula Chan) who lives in Wales.