Quote Originally Posted by ClubberLang View Post


Unfortunately, Kermit has looked awful his last three fights and simply shows a lack of mental toughness and composure. The fact that he is being considered as Cotto's June opponent (assuming Cotto beats Jennings) after his last three bouts is ridiculous. He has done absolutely nothing to earn that kind of payday. Someone like Clottey is much more deserving.
I actually agree that Cotto is not the choice next for Kerm. I'd like him to at least try to get some mojo back and look dominant under Ronnie Shields in the next few fights-- even if it takes stepping back in competition.

I'm not going to go as far as "awful" for anything other than as an appropriate adjective to describe almost anyone associated with last Saturday's bout as a whole-- Kerm included. But I grant that Kerm hasn't look comfortable or natural in his style the last few bouts. Overthinking? Paralysis by overanalysis? Loss of composure? I think all those are fair to point to. Lacking "mental toughness"? That one I have a bit of trouble with. Having never got in a ring myself, I am in absolutely no position to accuse anyone of that, or measure a man's heart and desire for that matter. But even as an academic exercise for purposes of this discussion, I have difficulty reconciling such easy diagnoisis with the fact that Kerm has taken on Margarito twice (and he didn't need to take the second bout-- he wanted it), stepped up on short notice to fight at 154 for the first time ever and take on Martinez (who supposedly in HBO's eyes is ready to be the next "big thing"), and now wants to take on Cotto. Something doesn't connect there-- a guy with "no mental toughness" usually doesn't want to take on the best but rather takes the easy way out.

Just pure speculation on my part: but I think the cumulative injuries to his hands that Kerm has suffered over the years (the curse of having such power) have perhaps reached the point of no return/can't be fixed where he's 100% anymore. And a puncher with hand issues doesn't have a long career timeframe-- which may help to explain why Kerm is suddenly taking "the money bouts" now while he can, even perhaps at the detriment of his long term interests.

Cotto would be one tough mountain to climb-- not impossible given Kerm's power, but he really looked impressive to me against Qunitana a few years back. And I think its fair to question what answers Kerm now has in terms of an improved skill set to withstand a similar assault when he didn't last Spring against Margarito (putting aside the whole load gloves questions-- and even all the lingering drama/doubts in that regard). I'm sure Kerm wouldn't back down if the opportunity is there with Cotto (and the gate in NYC during the Puerto Rico Day Parade would be huge), but to my mind, I'm hoping Arum and Top Rank do right by their own guy (Clottey) and give him the first shot at Cotto. So my hope is that Kerm takes on someone at a level of a Gomez, or a Delvin Rodriguez next-- and I say this as a continuning Cintron fan.