The 37 year-old is back at 147 pounds, the same division the US-based Puerto Rican enjoyed a two-year world title reign between 2006 and 2008, having racked up four wins in 2016 alone since returning to action.
Those recent victories have come in a busy seven-month period, meaning ‘The Killer’ is now undefeated in his last seven outings – dating back to 2013. As time ticks away for the experienced technician, Cintron has one more shot at the big time in his sights.
Moving up the rankings steadily is one thing, but Cintron has higher ambitions than that and hopes to land a massive fight in 2017 having targeted two big names in a bid to prove he’s still a major player.
“I’m calling out Juan Manuel Marquez and Amir Khan,” Cintron exclusively told World Boxing News.
“They are two great fighters who are in limbo waiting for what’s next. I’m working on getting back to the top and by doing that I’ve been staying busy, fighting regularly. I fought four times during 2016 thanks to my promoter, Kings Promotions and I hope that shows I mean business.
“I have to say thanks to my trainer Joe Pastore for the fact that he’s bringing out the old Kermit Cintron out of me. It’s a progress but it’s coming with each fight.
“I finished 2016 with a bang and now I want to start 2017 with a bang, so why not fight Marquez or Khan who I know are looking for opponents?
“Marquez is a future hall of famer but If you look at my resume, I’ve caught prospects and fighters at their prime time, and still to this day, I don’t believe I have fought a future hall of famer. A fight with Marquez would be a tremendous way for me to open 2017.
““In regards to Amir Khan, I just want to shut him up. He keeps talking and getting big fights after losing, and now we are in the same weight class, we should make the fight.
“I’m focused on a big 2017 and I want Marquez or Khan as my first fight back in 2017,” he added.
