World Boxing Council (WBC), The Ring Magazine and linear world light heavyweight champion, Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (21-1-0, 18 KOs), will defend his crown for the first time, facing former International Boxing Federation (IBF) world light heavyweight champion, American Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud (24-1-0, 19 KOs), on Saturday, September 28 in a titanic collision at the Bell Centre in Montreal, airing live on HBO in the United States.
We brought you the news of the Stevenson vs. Cloud fight being finalized yesterday, but below, you’ll find more details on the event and its official announcement.
Stevenson, who turns 36 on September 22 and now lives in Blainville, won his world light heavyweight title by knocking out undisputed light heavyweight king “Bad” Chad Dawson (31-3-0, 17 KOs) in 76 seconds. His dramatic victory before a stunned audience at Bell Centre and HBO viewers was amazing as “Superman” immediately catapulted into the stratosphere of elite international boxing stars. Stevenson was the IBF super middleweight mandatory challenger but IBF Carl Froch wasn’t interested in battling the dangerous southpaw Stevenson. Instead, Stevenson gained instant fame and a privileged place among boxing’s greats. The Bible of Boxing, The Ring Magazine, selected him as its Fighter of the Month for June, as the WBC also did.
“Adonis Stevenson’s goal is not to become just a world champion,” GYM president Yvon Michel said on the eve of Stevenon’s fight against Dawson. “Adonis Stevenson has the required potential to become a major international attraction in professional boxing, but to get there he needed the stage offered him in the June 8 fight of June 8: a seasoned and dangerous opponent, world title, and prestigious television. The table is set; the future is now in his fists of steel! This prediction is now being achieved!”
Back on June 8, 2012, Stevenson’s late, great trainer Emanuel Steward had prophesied, “Adonis will become an authentic, major star in boxing.”
His presence in the life of Stevenson was short, like a shooting star, but the mark he left is indelible. His head trainer is now Stewart’s nephew, Javan “Sugar” Hill, who can now say their mission has been partially accomplished. Knowing that there is often a small margin between victory and defeat, Hill once again because the recipe works has brought back Stevenson to training camp on the reclusive borders of Michigan in Traverse City.
The powerful Stevenson is riding a streak of eight sensational knockout victories including Dawson (KO1), Darnell Boone (KO6), Don George (TKO12) Noe Gonzalez (TKO2) Jesus Gonzales (KO1), Aaron Pryor Jr. (TKO9), Shujaa El Amin (TKO1) and Derek Edwards (KO3). In fact, the last time a fight Stevenson went the limit dates back to 2007.
The 31-year Cloud, fighting out of Tallahassee Florida, has had an illustrious nine-year pro career, highlighted by his 4 years reign as IBF world champion. He won his title in 2009 winning a decision over former world champion Clinton Woods (42-4-1, 25 KOs). He then defended it four times, first against durable Glen Johnson (50-13-2, 34 KOs), another former world champion, following against contenders Fulgencio Zuniga (24-4-1, 21 KOs), Yusaf Mack (29-3-2, 17 KOs) and Gabriel Campillo (21-3-1, 8 KOs). His winning streak ended at 24, the same time as his reign as champion concluded last March in New York, losing by decision to the inimitable Bernard Hopkins (52-6-2, 32 KOs).
According to The Ring Magazine, Cloud is ranked fourth among the world’s leading light heavyweights, and he is considered the No. 1 175-pound light heavyweight contender in the United States. Cloud has suffered only the one defeat in his entire career and he has never visited the canvas. Cloud has an experience advantage over newly crowned champ Stevenson having fought a total of 123 rounds, including 78 in world championships, nearly as Stevenson’s total of 80 rounds fought. Cloud believes he has what it takes to become world champion again because of his proven track record combined with his aggressive style and power. This major challenge has Stevenson chomping at the bit to make his mark. Since his resounding and expeditious victory over Dawson, HBO executives demonstrated a sustained interest in presenting the next fight for “Superman” on the air, provided it he agreed to face “Thunder” Cloud, considered by many as the most dangerous contenders in the division. They say in life you need to be careful about what you want because it might happen; Stevenson wanted strong opposition his first title defense, and that is what he has on Sept. 28.
“Superman Returns” will be co-promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Don King Productions (DKP) and Gary Shaw Productions (GSP), in association with Mise-O-Jeu and Videotron.
This prestigious boxing event launches the start of the new GYM season, which promises to be more exciting and glamorous than ever. Other fights on the Sept. 28 card will be announced in the next days and GYM is working hard to put together a memorable gala event.
