I think it’s safe to say that boxing can be all about ‘What have you done for me lately?’. Following a disappointing effort this past February against Sergio Martinez in which he wasn’t able to mount a sustained offensive assault, former champion Kermit Cintron was thrown under the bus by many. After fighting to a majority draw with Martinez, Cintron was scoffed at for claiming that he should have won the contest and it goes without saying that many are going against him when he squares off with dangerous brawler Alfredo Angulo this Saturday night.
I can’t be one to harp on Cintron too much, because the guy has found a way to be in some exciting fights over the years. Despite getting stopped convincingly in separates contests by Antonio Margarito, Cintron has displayed much grit and power in his fights against David Estrada, Walter Matthysse, Mark Suarez, Teddy Reid, and others.
When Cintron faces Angulo his back will still definitely be back against the wall. At 30 years old Cintron doesn’t have anymore time to waist and he could have a handful going up against Angulo, who’s pressure, tenacity, and power punching are very reminiscent of Margarito’s style. On the flip side, Angulo has never faced a deafening puncher like Cintron and who’s to say he isn’t the one who’s asking for trouble in this contest?
Wanting to get a better sense of this showdown, 8 Count News took a trip on some choice boxing forums online to get a true read for what everyone is saying. From criticizing Cintron, questioning Angulo’s own worth as a fighter, and breaking down the matchup, this is what everyone had to say…
(Xplosive @ FightBeat.com)…
“I'm shocked NONE has mentioned that this fight is Sat. It could be a very good fight. I think El Perro will survive getting hurt early, and will stop Kermit the frog in 7.”
(MaYaN SuN @ BoxingScene.com)…
“Kermit has real power and I think this is a better fight for Angulo than a fight with Mayorga. Angulo should do what he does best and just systematically break Cintron down. Hit his targets and stay mindful of Kermit's hail mary's, and he should take this.”
(The Golden Fan @ BoxingNews24.com)…
“Cintron better come out and look for a KO against Angulo or he will be KO'd eventually. Angulo has been rocked before so his chin is not granite like Margarito.”
(PWillIsGod @ MaxBoxing.com)…
“That fight will resemble Angulo on a heavy bag that isn't held in place. Horrific and one sided beat down.”
(Adamiw @ FightBeat.com)…
“I haven't seen a great deal of Angulo, but from what I seen so far, he isn’t all that....same way I felt about Cintron a few years back. Should be an entertaining one like you say....Angulo will try and follow Margarito's blueprint....I think he'll pull it off...I’d say I favor Angulo 60/40....he will get hurt/dropped along the way but I think it will be deja vu all over again for Cintron.”
(Rebel @ BoxingFanatics.com)…
“Cintron hasn't proven himself to be all that, but Angulo hasn't proven he's anything to date. I have a good feeling Angulo is more hype than substance, but Cintron won't be the fighter to expose him. This should be a good fight. Angulo TKO 10.”
(Doc @ DogHouseBoxing.com)…
“I'll be watching intently on the Angulo/Cintron fight as I think it has the opportunity to be one of those hidden classics that you'll see that no one seems to remember later (e.g., Mo Harris v. Derrick Jefferson). To be honest, from what I've seen and heard on Angulo I'm not 'sippin' the szurp' as of yet. I saw him in a fight fairly recently where he seemed to be cut pretty bad over an eye (I forget who he was fighting) but, even though he took care of business against limited opposition, he really didn't impress me like say, Ortiz did. I won't close the door on him yet as many are high on him, but I'll be looking to see what he does vs. Kermit if the real "Cintron" shows up and turns back the clock. If that shell of a guy that let Martinez beat the hell out of him show up(I actually like Martinez, but it looked like Cintron dialed it in from the opening bell), then Angulo may be in for a short night.”
(Nesty @ BoxingScene.com)…
“To me this is simple..... Angulo is the favorite more due to the fact that we don't have confidence in Kermit's heart rather than on Angulo's skills to take on a former champion. Yes.... Angulo is strong and puts great pressure. As most here I have flashbacks of Kermit's performance against Margacheato's pressure and him seemingly breaking down in front of us. The moment Kermit starts bending down and looking at the referee... ITS DONE, STILL A FORK ON HIM. But there is another side of this story.... Angulo is not Margarito yet. Out of 15 opponents, the first 10 had less than 10 wins on there record and the remaining six were either 147 tomato cans or 160/68 boxers coming down on weight. His best opponent and only true 154 opponent is Andrey Tsurkan whose call to fame was beating Camachito Jr. The kid has skills, the backing of HBO and is mexican (always good for you rep), but I'm yet to jump into the bandwagon. Kermit is a smart choice to pump up his resume, but it he does beat Kermit by beat down and many think he will... then I will put on notice the reset of the division. Until then to me he is an unproven contender that has been wonderfully matched.”
(Double L @ FightBeat.com)…
“Cintron is Under-rated. He has two losses on his record, both of which came against a guy who beat Cotto and who proved to be a cheater, loading his gloves with a foreign substance. Cotto chose to deal with Margarito's artificially heavy-hands by not stopping to move nearly the entire fight. And just as Cintron was, Cotto was ultimately knocked out. The only difference I see as far as I can tell is that Cintron didn't run for nine rounds. He stood in there with Margarito and like all of Tony's recent victims, presumably buckled under the weight of plaster of paris. So why is he written off? You put Cintron in against Cotto, Mosley or Clottey and in my mind it's a pick-em fight. So why is he talked about like he's a fringe contender or something. And for the record, we all know his fights with Estrada and Feliciano were orchestrated by him to rectify his reputation - to establish that he's not afraid to get hit and mix it up and that he can hold up mentally in the face of adversity. That is, as long as his opponent hasn't wrapped his hands in plaster. If Cintron's run at 147 weren't derailed by the illegal tactics of Margarito, there's no telling where he'd be now. Obviously at 154 he's less of a monster but I still expect him to beat Angulo who is just another BAD fighter who will be knocked out sooner than later.”
(ShalaFiv.2 @ Boxingscene.com)…
“Angulo is a more polished version of Tony, his chin seems solid although it hasn't really been proven per se, we will see that against Cintron if he can withstand one of his right bombs. I'm sure he will since he's got the guts and make of an Aztec warrior unlike the weak minded Taino Cintron who folds over once he gets tagged nicely.”
(Gladiator27 @ MaxBoxing.com)…
“Dude, you don't have to convince me Kermit is flakey....I can't stand the guy. There's no crying in boxing. But with Cintron's 5" reach advantage, KO power (personally, I don't think Cintron's power is overrated, the only guys he hasn't KO'd is Margarito, N'Dou, who's got a helluva chin and the elusive Martinez) and just the fact that he knows he's coming in the underdog against an up and coming fighter might make things interesting in the early going of the fight. That being said, I wholeheartedly believe Angulo should win. What makes it more interesting for me is that it's Angulo's toughest competition yet in his short career and it's against a guy who likes to come forward, which is perfect for Angulo and should make for a fun fight...for as long as it last.”
(RingSideMike @ FightBeat.com)…
“Something very strange about Cintron. He has some mental block that is holding him back. Or maybe he just has no heart. He does hit very hard, but as of late, he doesn’t let his hands go. Nor does he seem to listen to his corner's instructions. He appears to not believe in himself...”
(Jaws1216 @ FightBeat.com)…
“I think breaks Cintron in half by round 8 and he gets a title shot before 2009 is done.”
(CastroBig @ BoxingNews24.com)…
“I can’t wait for the Cintron-Angulo fight. Angulo is not Margarito, not even close. He’s even slower and gets hit a lot more, and he doesn’t have Tony’s granite chin. Cintron wins by mid to late KO!”
(Dondi330 @ Boxingscene.com)…
“Neither one impresses me. Who ever wins, wins. If Cintron wins, "then Angulo wasn't ready". If Angulo wins,"Cintron has no heart" and he beat a heartless fighter.
I guess will have to wait for the fight after this fight to see what the winner has. Cintron is waste, has no heart, doesn't commit to his punches, and doesn't have the skill to compete at the championship level. As terrible as Angulo is (and he is terrible) I expect him to KO Cintron in short order.”
(GRUSTLER @ Boxingscene.com)…
“I think Alfredo Angulo has what it takes already to be one of the best. His heart, pressure and power alone easily trumps Kermit Cintron not to mention that he has a good chin and work rate in the ring. Cintron has a punchers chance but once Angulo takes that from him, he will get discouraged. Angulo has felt power from natural 154 fighters already I don't see Cintron being much different. Skill we be a big factor in this match and the complete package leans towards Alfredo Angulo.”
(FightAficionado @ EastSideBoxing.com)…
“Jacobs and Kirkland had the hype but Angulo has the goods. This kid ruins opponents he doesn't just KO them. Has anyone seen him stunned? I haven't. So he's got a beard. The 154 lb division with these three has some of the best prospects of any division, though Kirkland's still in the jug and he might be done. I figure Angulo
Questions and Comments can be sent to Chris at Trimond@aol.com or www.MySpace.com/BoxingHarmony
