1979 NATIONAL GOLDEN GLOVES MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT

[CMossification]

Lamont Kirkland hands down was a GREAT fighter and had the potential to be in history with the greatest of fighters.

[deezdeez04]

Big brother I will always remeber and be proud og you! Your little sis "D"

[kimdayne]

Tony Ayala Jr. Vs.On one occasion, he spit on his opponent after knocking him to the ground. He also admitted to using heroin before a fight on three occasions

[javibox13]

I had the first round 10 to 8 for Lamont the second round 10 to 7 for Tony and the third round even 10 to 10 with Tony winning by one point. Great fight. Both brought it but Tony did finish a bit stronger. Tony had lamont hurt more times than Lamont had Tony. No shame in losing But Tony did deserve the win.

[javibox13]

First round was 10 to 8 for lamont second round was 10 to 7 for Tony and the third round i had it even 10 to 10 with Tony winning by one point in my opinion. Great fight!

[qwesence1]

It's crazy how back then they didn't have to wear head gears!? Like semi-pro and shit!

[eagles08itsova]

remember.. tony must of been 15.. 16.. years old tops during this fight. If Ayala never had a drug addiction, there wouldn't of been a better middle weight fighter.. ever, imo. He was about to sign to fight Duran before he was convicted for rape.. at.. 19 years old???? crazy... my favorite fighter ever.

[kimdayne]

@eagles08itsova the kid was a better than average fighter at his age, also you can clearly see that he recovers well from adversity (in the ring), moreover, good instincts at evading other fighter's punches. However, he was knocked down in quite a few fights, albeit, he recovered and would come back strong enough to defeat those opponents; fighting a true contender or a Hagler, Duran, Hearns or Leonard - he would've lost as those boxers would've took advantage of his weak jaws.

[bb62g]

having heart doesnt mean you won the fight.

[Paniolodave]

@APFJudge I just watched this fight again and you are correct on the third round, that round could have gone either way. Regardless, both fought a great fight.

[Paniolodave]

Round 1 went to Lamont, Rounds 2 & 3 went to Ayala. Ayala wins

[LamontKirklandjr]

bixbyglaser, You could not be wronger!! I am not sure what fight you watched Ayala lost that fight. Lamont Kirkland out classed out boxed was sharper and more powerful then Ayala. If this fight would have continued he would have knocked Ayala out cold. Ayala was 16 & Kirkland 18 not big difference so stop crying about that. Ayala over all was an ok fighter but this was a great showing for Lamont Kirkland he lost a lot of weight for this fight still went the distance and in my opinion won!!

[bixbyglaser]

You could not be more biased! What I saw was Tony, in spite of being knocked down early on, come back and give Lamont such a beating to the body that he had to be given a standing count. Tony was slipping his punches and wearing him down. You can't deny that.

[LamontKirklandjr]

You are correct about Tony wearing him down but he never knocked him down and Lamont never stop punching. So I can not see how Tony could have won this fight. He did fight a good fight but he did not win this one. This is all I am saying Tony showed heart and that he could take a punch!!

[Piglatinsuperstar]

this is a great video. even as an amateur Tony showed he is too devestating for the competition and great at warding off blows. I thought Tony won this fight but Lamont tested him for sure. He imply could not shrug off the effects of those shots of Tony's.

[kimdayne]

@LamontKirklandjr Lamont lost this fight BCZ he was hurt too often, had to take too many standing 8 counts; Ayala would've beat up his body if the fight went any further. Lucky for Lamont, the fight was only 3 rounds. Ayala was a patient fighter that dug deep inside himself and lived off an internal rage that only true champions can call upon. I am disgusted by his out of ring behavior but he had ring promise.

[bixbyglaser]

In a way, this amateur bout is testament to how great Ayala would have been. His opponent was bigger, older and had more experience, and even knocked him down early. Yet Tony shrugged it off like it was nothing and battered him, almost knocking him out. Had this continued Kirkland would've gotten hurt even worse.

[Richdanahuff]

I agree Ayala dropped to 154 and Kirkland moved up to 175 as a pro, Kirkland was no joke as a fighter as a pro he was 23-3 with 23 KOs as a Lt Hvy. So Ayala taking these shots and holding his own and even hurting him was impressive in context;