James Kirkland Stops Joel Julio in Six Rounds

Saturday night on HBO's Boxing After Dark, James "Mandingo" Kirkland stopped Joel Julio at the end of round 6 of their 154-pound fight at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Round 1

From the opening bell, Kirkland did not waste a second as he went on the constant pressure attack on Julio, forcing him backwards for the majority of the fight. Kirkland threw hard power shots, and one big left hand cut Julio by his right eye. Kirkland's round.

Round 2 

Julio was able to be slightly more effective as he began to counter punch Kirkland. James, however, lands a big body shot on Julio. Kirkland's round.

Round 3

This was the most exciting round, where both fighters fought toe to toe, trading big power shots at each other. Just as ringside HBO commentator former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis began to point out that James needs to move his head, Julio fires jabs and power shots to the head of Kirkland. Julio's round.

Round 4

Round 4 started off with a bit of drama where the ref warns Kirkland for hitting behind the head and has both fighters halted on a break. Kirkland then throws and lands big on Julio, who still thought they were halted on a break that the ref initiated.

The ref then tells Julio to fight on and to protect himself at all times. Kirkland continues to constantly pressure and attack Julio like how much of the fight has been going. Kirkland's round.

Round 5

Julio gets desperate in this round and begins to throw bombs at Kirkland trying to knock him out but is not successful for he is still for the most part walking backwards due to the constant attack of Kirkland. Kirkland lands big to the body and head of Julio. Kirkland's round.

Round 6 

Kirkland lands a big body shot at about 1:25. Julio fires back to the head of Kirkland. Kirkland then turns it up and lands power shot after power shot on Julio.

Julio goes back to his corner and tells them he does not wish to continue and the ref waves off the fight.

James Kirkland improves his record to 25-0 with 22 KO's.

In the post-fight interview with Max Kellerman, Kirkland stated that he did not feel hurt by Julio's power but did feel some pain when the two clashed heads in an accidental headbutt.

Kellerman then tried to get Kirkland to call out his next opponent, but James said that is up to his team and his promoter, Golden Boy Promotions.