James Kirkland

Boxer James Kirkland -- a former WBO super welterweight champ -- was arrested in Austin, TX earlier this month in connection to a child support case ... TMZ Sports has learned. We've confirmed ... Kirkland was taken into custody by the Travis County Sheriff's Dept. on August 8th for contempt of…

James Kirkland was simply not prepared to step in the ring with a fighter like Canelo Alvarez ... so says his legendary ex-trainer Ann Wolfe who tells TMZ Sports he took the fight way too soon. Kirkland was KNOCKED THE HELL OUT in the 3rd round of his fight with Alvarez this weekend ... after…