Kermit jumps back into the fray

Cintron to fight in Maryland on Thursday

28/09/2005

Kermit jumps back into the fray

By Don Wright

For Kermit Cintron, 2005 has so far been a year to forget. After the momentum of one boxing's most promising young careers was stalled for nearly a year by nagging injuries, Cintron (24-1, 22 KO's, rated #9 by Boxingtalk) was completely outclassed and dominated en route to a fifth-round TKO loss to Antonio Margarito last April for the WBO welterweight title, in his only fight of the year. Tomorrow night Cintron, fighting out of Reading, PA by way of Puerto Rico, looks to rebound against journeyman Francisco "Panchito" Parra of Tijuana Mexico in the eight round main event in the latest installment of promoter Scott Wagner's Ballroom Boxing.

As much of a step up in competition Margarito was for the young, exciting Cintron, Parra (12-5, 10 KOs) is as much a step down, having defeated only one fighter with a winning record in his professional career.

In the co-feature, undefeated heavyweight "Mensa with Muscle" Chazz Witherspoon (7-0, 5 KOs) faces Lincoln Luke (5-6, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder. Witherspoon returns to the Ballroom having scored an impressive third-round knockout over Vernon Woodward on the Jeff Lacy vs. Robin Reid undercard in August.

In other action, junior middleweights Keenan Collins (7-1, 7 KOs) takes on "Magnificent" Martinus Clay (9-9, 3 KOs, 2 NCs) in a six rounder. Calvin Dixon (1-0-1, 3 NCs) faces William "The Storm" Bailey (3-6-1, 2 KOs) in a four round cruiserweight bout. Making his pro debut, welterweight Purcell Jackson takes on Vincent Arroyo (1-0, 1 KO) in a four rounder. Rounding out the undercard, super middleweights John Terry (0-1) meets Michael Dickerson (0-1) in a four round contest.

Ballroom Boxing is presented by promoters Scott and Michael Wagner at Michael's Eighth Avenue, 7220 Grayburn Drive, Glen Burnie, MD. The matchmaker is Chris Middendorf. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., fights begin at 8:15 p.m. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster or at the door.

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