Tavoris Cloud Bio, Record & Profile: Cloud Looks to Reign Supreme
Tavoris Karod Cloud has, like many others before him, used boxing as an escape route for himself and his family from the grips of poverty. Born in Tallahassee, Florida, his determination to achieve a better standard of living has fueled his boxing career, his chiseled muscular physique a result of training hard, and his all action determined style has brought about comparisons to the great Marvin Hagler. “Thunder” Cloud currently holds the IBF light heavyweight belt and he is actively chasing the other belt holders as he strives to capture more glory and more money so he can provide for his family and put poverty behind him. He is guided by Florida Hall of Fame trainer Al Bonanni and is promoted by Don King.
Amateur Career
Cloud turned to boxing at the relatively late age of 17 and learnt quickly. He was soon taking home trophies and gaining a reputation, in 2002 he reached the final of the US amateurs finishing as runner up to Curtis Stevens. His amateur career expired with an impressive record of 46-8, a career in the pro game beckoned, and his style was ready-made for it.
Turning Pro
His aggressive style of pressure and energy, coupled with power in both hands led to a record of 17-0 with an impressive 16 KO’s before he faced his biggest test to date – a fight for the USBA and NABA light heavyweight titles against Mike Wood. Cloud blew him away in one round before taking the next big step up against a fighter in Julio Cesar Gonzalez who had never been stopped, had gone 12 rounds with Roy Jones jr in 2001, and had beaten Glenn Johnson, Montell Griffin, Dariusz Michalczewski and was a former WBO champ. Against a man with far greater experience, Cloud won a battle of attrition, outclassing the Mexican hard man and stopping him in the 10th round.
Champion
This set him up for a shot at the IBF title against another experienced, savvy ex-champion in the form of Englishmen Clinton Woods. Cloud prevailed over 12 rounds before facing off with the evergreen Glen Johnson. In a tough, uncompromising battle the younger man won a close match on points despite being outworked according to CompuBox figures (883-682 punches thrown) and outlanded 254-246. Cloud’s superior speed and power were enough in a tough fight that he will need to learn from. Questions emanating from this fight over Cloud’s defense will need to be answered in the future if Cloud is to be seen as an elite fighter. Following the Johnson match was a wide points win over Fulgencio Zuniga from Columbia, the challenger hitting the canvas on two occasions.
What Lies Ahead?
At the age of 29, Tavoris Cloud is in his physical prime, however, he is insistent that he has not reached his peak in the ring and won’t until he gets regular action against top quality opponents. He is not afraid of losing his unbeaten status and is actively chasing the biggest fights out there so he can secure his families future. Negotiations with both Jean Pascal and Chad Dawson have previously fallen through and trainer Al Bonnani has cited Cloud’s aggressive style as the stopping point for big fights like these going through – even if you beat Cloud you’re going to get hurt.
Dependent on who’s free expect Cloud to fight any of the other title holders in the light heavyweight division. Pascal, Bernard Hopkins and Dawson are currently sorting out who fights who while Juergen Braehmer and Nathan Cleverly are also possibilities once they battle it out for the WBO title. Cleverly in particular is high on the list and verbals have been exchanged with the young Welshmen. Al Bonnani is friends with Cleverley’s promoter Frank Warren so a deal could be done there.
According to a recent ProBoxing-Fans.com poll, the fight everyone wants to see in the light heavy division behind a Pascal vs Hopkins rematch is Cloud vs Pascal. For this to happen Pascal will probably have to get through Hopkins and/or Dawson first, if it does happen Cloud will fancy his chances of outworking, outlasting and potentially stopping the Canadian. Cloud’s record currently stands at 22-0 (18KO’s).
