Antonio Margarito Knocks Out Kermit Cintron

Antonio Margarito knocked out Kermit Cintron in Atlantic City to once again become a world welterweight champion on Saturday night.

The Mexican displayed a granite chin and non-stop punching power, blasting Cintron to defeat just over a minute from the end of round six to claim the IBF belt.

Margarito had handed Cintron the only previous loss of his career with a fifth-round stoppage in Las Vegas back in 2005, but had since lost his WBO title to Paul Williams last year.

He continued his dominance over Cintron here, taking all of Kermit's best punches before breaking his opponent's spirit and eventually his resistance.

The pattern of the fight saw Cintron starting rounds well, scoring well with his trademark big right hand from distance.

But as the sessions wore on it was the non-stop aggression inside from the challenger Margarito that held sway.

Despite taking some huge shots he refused to be denied, and continued to chip away at the champion's resolve with meaningful flurries.

By late in the third round the tide was clearly beginning to turn as a troubled Cintron turned away from his opponent to complain about a rabbit punch.

Kermit (now 29-2) did appear to recover well at the start of the fourth, but as the round wore on it was again Margarito on top.

Cintron landed two big rights early in the fifth, but was dispirited by the end of the session, sustaining a cut eye and again complaining about a rabbit punch.

The end came in the sixth as Margarito backed Cintron onto the ropes, and landed a right, an uppercut and the body shot that finally dropped Kermit to the canvas.

The champion was counted out with just over a minute remaining in the round, to cap a display from Margarito that was both brilliant and brave in equal measures.

Margarito's record is now 36-5, and puts him in the mix for a showdown with WBA champion Miguel Cotto, also victorious on the same Atlantic City bill.