James Kirkland Shines After Dark

On HBO's Boxing After Dark, James Kirkland showed exactly why he's considered one of the most exciting young fighters today. In an anticipated San Jose showdown with 24-year-old Joel Julio, the middleweight brought the hammer down right from the start, and opened up a cut over Julio's right eye that would ultimately be one of the deciding factors.

Following the fifth round, referee Raul Caiz Jr. approached Julio and appeared to ask him if he wanted to continue on. But Julio, who had been battered by Kirkland's hooks and relentless pressure, didn't have much fight left in him. It went down as a sixth-round TKO for Kirkland, his fifth straight knockout victory.

Kirkland stayed unbeaten with a record of 25-0 (22 KO), while Julio fell to 34-3.

What's next for the rising star? Kirkland wouldn't offer much, saying "Let my team decide who I want next ... I just want to stay in shape and get prepared and basically fight anyone in this weight class."

In other action, Victor Ortiz stopped Mike Arnaoutis midway through the second round of their 140-pound bout. Hometown favorite Robert Guerrero's fight with Daud Yordan was declared a no-decision when an accidental headbutt opened a serious cut over Guerrero's right eye.