By Brandon Ortega; Guest Writer to Pugilism & The Pen
Kermit Cintron Wins Unanimous Decision over Alfredo Angulo
116-112 All Three Judges
The fast rising prospect Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo (15-1) hit a snag in his attempt to earn a title shot this year when he was out pointed by former IBF Welterweight Champion Kermit Cintron (32-2-1). Kermit Cintron appeared to win a majority of the early rounds by simply out boxing the former Mexican Olympian, throwing combinations and moving in circles did the job for the former champion. Angulo continued to pressure Cintron all night, however, Angulo could not put combinations together he desired to due to Cintron’s constant movement. As the fight continued slight fatigue was shown by Cintron which allowed Angulo to tighten up the scorecards, but it was simply too little too late. The fight was a huge statement in a make or break fight for Cintron who now has earned a mandatory title shot against Sergio Martinez, a fighter he fought in February of this year and seemed clearly beaten, yet the judges felt otherwise and gave Cintron a gift decision Draw. As for Angulo’s future he is still a very young fighter being only 26, he is almost certain to be back to his winning ways and continue to climb towards a title shot.
Andre Berto Wins Unanimous Decision over Juan Urango
118-110 Twice, 117-111
In the Main Event of the night for HBO’s Boxing After Dark it featured WBC Welterweight Champion Andre Berto (25-0) vs. IBF Jr. Welterweight Champion Juan Urango (21-2-1). Coming off his biggest win Juan Urango was able to do very little against the physically superior Andre Berto. The speed was too much for Urango to handle and it was clear from the opening bell as Berto flicked his jab at Urango landing it with ease. Clearly Urango could not win an outside fight versus Berto, however, when the fighters where close to each other Urango did very little. It appeared Berto could do whatever he wished to do with Urango as he put quick hard punches together that appeared to have Urango in trouble. Berto stated he was out to follow the game plan and box, not get into a fire fight as he did with Luis Callazo. Now the question has become who is next for Andre Berto? In a loaded division with stars like Miguel Cotto, Sugar Shane Mosley, Antonio Magarito, Manny Pacquiao in addition to the dimmer stars, but excellent fighters such as Paul Williams, Josh Clottey, Carlos Quintana, and Zab Judah there is no shortage of choices for the young titlist. It will be interesting to observe the path Berto and his team decides to take, but to capture the attention of the big money names like Cotto and Mosley, Berto needs to create more buzz which he could have done by Knocking out Urango which seemed very plausible if he had committed to it. Nevertheless, Andre Berto is one of the biggest rising stars in the sport and in a loaded welterweight division, superstardom may be coming for the fighter from Winterhaven, Florida.
