I WAS saddened to read about the passing of “The Gifted One”, Kirkland Laing. I enjoyed reading the tributes by Steve Bunce and Kirkland’s daughter, Delene Laing, in the June 17 issue.
I saw Kirkland box a couple of times. I remember going to a gym one day with the exciting Rocky Milton, and Kirkland was in there training. He was slightly past his best at the time, but still such a talented athlete. While Laing was training, John Mugabi – wearing cutoff denim shorts – was sparring Dennis Andries. I remember saying to Rocky, ‘This experience is better than our trips to Las Vegas.’