By Ryan Burton

krikya360.com recently caught up with undefeated junior middleweight prospect Glen Tapia. The New Jersey native faces James Kirkland (31-1) as part of a HBO televised tripleheader in Atlantic City on December 7th.

The 23-year-old said that he is very pleased to be taking the next progression in his career. Even with an 18 month layoff, Tapia expects Kirkland to be as aggressive as he always has been throughout his career. 

"I am excited man. There's nothing else to say. I can't wait to get in the ring.

"I will see in the first round (how aggressive he is). He comes out to fight and I love that. I come to fight too.  I've never seen him in a fight where he doesn't come out to fight.  I'll be ready. I can't give my plan away. I do my talking with these (fists)," Tapia stated.

I also asked Tapia for his opinion on former three division champion Miguel Cotto's recent knockout victory over Delvin Rodriguez. Tapia spoke very respectfully of the Puerto Rican and said that he expected Cotto to shine in that fight.  

"He looked good.  I knew he was going to beat Rodriguez. He's on a different level (than Rodriguez). He's a great fighter but I can't call anybody out. I'm not in any position to do that," Tapia told krikya360.com.

Send questions or comments to ringsidewriter@gmail.com.  Follow Ryan on Twitter @ringsidewriter