After The Clouds Have Settled....

The 175lb Division has a new all action Champion in the new IBF Champion Tarvoris Cloud after defeating the tough Englishman Clinton Woods by Unanimous Decision.

Cloud in only his 20th fight fought the tough veteran Clinton Woods who was taking part in his 49th fight. This was a good test for Cloud and a good measuring stick to gauge his ability and potential.

The fight was a good one the early rounds were tit for tat as Cloud had the better workrate but Woods was picking his shots well and landing clean accurate shots. This was the case for 6 rounds (I had it scored 37-37 at this point)In the 7th Cloud came on strong late in the round with a whirlwind attack and there was no looking back as for the next 5 rounds he kept a torrid pace and a ferocious attack. In the 8th he staggered Woods near the end of the round and pinned him against the ropes with a merciless barrage but couldn’t finish off the tough veteran. The 9th I scored 10-8 in favour of Cloud as he dominated the round with his fast combinations and Woods did virtually nothing. The rest of the rounds all went to Cloud due to workrate and some impressive power shots.

But what does this tell us about Cloud and his potential? It tells us a lot. He reminds me of Aaron Pryor with his whirlwind
attacks and hard combinations but he lacks the dynamic movement and boxing ability of ‘The Hawk’. He does however exert more pressure than Pryor as he stalks his opponent round the ring. It’s refreshing to see such a high energy fighter in the Light Heavyweight division.

Cloud is very hittable. He at times shows some good defensive and counter punching moves but on the whole is there to be hit because of his tremendous punch output. This makes him a very exciting fighter as he throws a lot but also will take a lot as he steps up his competition.

I can see Cloud doing well as he improves, as he is still young. He’s a very exciting fighter and will figure in some great fights. Imagine a fight with Glen Johnson and himself. I think the other rising star in the division can beat him though. That star being Chad Dawson. I feel he could take advantage of his defensive deficiencies but I have been proved wrong so many times.

Whatever happens I think American TV companies has found there new marketable, exciting young Champion.