The winding path of Kermit Cintron

The winding path of Kermit Cintron

By Vikram Birring, Doghouse Boxing (July 9, 2011)
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The last time Kermit Cintron was seen by a television audience, he was in an ambulance, headed to a local hospital, after flying out of a boxing ring. Whether he chose to jump, or fell because of momentum, is up for debate. Regardless, Top Rank decided to take a chance on him and signed him away from Lou DiBella, to add to its rich roster of talent.

What its plans are for Cintron are unclear at this moment, but with Miguel Cotto, Joshua Clottey, Mike Jones, Manny Pacquiao, Alfonso Gomez, Jesus Soto-Karass, and presumably Sebastian Lujan, plenty of savory bouts are achievable.

On one condition.

Cintron must defeat awkward Carlos Molina of Chicago.

Molina first came on the scene when he was twice robbed on the scorecards against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. He then lost to Waylon Willingham and fellow prospect Mike Alvarado. Since then, he has rattled off a string of victories, but his most impressive performance was not even a win.

In March, Molina was set up as human slaughter against Lara, who had come off four consecutive knockout victories.

Molina was not going to be another victim.

From the beginning, Molina made Lara miss his vaunted left cross constantly, and frustrated Lara throughout the ten round bout. At the end of the affair, it was ruled a draw, but it must be noted that the dissenting judge had Molina ahead on the cards.

Now Cintron must deal with the difficult Molina, and in addition, look impressive while doing it. Winning is not enough in boxing, one must win while soothing the taste of bloodthirsty boxing fans and network executives.

This is Kermit Cintron’s challenge tonight. His career depends on it.

Questions or comments,
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Vikram at: vikram.birring@gmail.com