1979 NATIONAL GOLDEN GLOVES MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT

Tony Ayala vs. Lamont Kirkland - 1979 National Golden Gloves Middleweight (165) Championship fight. One of the greatest amateur fights of all time.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Tony
• Ayala
• Lamont
• Kirkland
• 165
• Golden
• Gloves
• National
• Championships
• Boxing
• Amateur

[deezdeez04]

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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[bb62g]

having heart doesnt mean you won the fight.

[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;