Teon Kennedy wants to make it to the mark once again – Boxing News
Some pugilists are just unfortunate and they go through life changing events during their careers. Among them, Teon Kennedy is probably one who has suffered traumas more than anyone else has. Kennedy hails from Philadelphia. He is currently scheduled to
challenge WBA bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux for the title on June 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The bout will be a part of the Pacquiao vs. Bradley card. Even though he says he is all good to fight, Kennedy has faced two traumatic incidents
recently that could make any fighter lose his nerve.
When asked about the incidents he has suffered throughout his career and their effects on him, Kennedy stated, “Everything bad is in the past now. I’m just focused on the fight. I’m still going to be aggressive.”
The first incident that gave a massive setback to Kennedy’s career occurred in 2009, when he went head to head with Francisco Rodriguez. Kennedy brutally knocked out Rodriguez in the tenth round to win the vacant USBA super bantamweight title. After the
winner was announced, unexpectedly Rodriguez collapsed in the ring. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he was admitted for brain injuries. Rodriguez died two days later, leaving Kennedy dismantled.
After Rodriguez death, Kennedy could not fight again and he disappeared for six months. However, he made his come back and proved his mettle to the world. When asked about the incident, Kennedy said, “When it first happened it was difficult, but as anyone
in boxing knows that could happen. It could happen to me. Sometimes I do still think about it, but I try not to dwell on it.”
Nevertheless, this was not the end of tragedies in Kennedy’s life. He was later arrested on felony shooting in Philadelphia. Even though the charges were later dropped, their effects on Kennedy’s career were long lasting. Since he did not get much time to
prepare, Kennedy lost to Alejandro Lopez in August of 2011. This was Kennedy’s first ever professional loss.
“The legal issues were definitely in my head. It’s hard to be falsely accused of something I did not do. That was probably the main reason I didn’t feel like myself,” said Kennedy.
As of now, Kennedy believes he has his spirit intact and that he will be back on the track this time.
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