Tarver Stops Santiago, Says Jeff Lacy is Next

By Mark Vester, at ringside

IBO light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver (26-4, 19KOs) stopped an overmatched Danny Santiago (29-4-1, 19KOs) to retain his title at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut.

Tarver was very sluggish in the first three rounds, creating a less than exciting fight that was showered with boos from the crowd. He seemed slow and very tentative to engage Santiago.

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In the fourth, an uppercut put Santiago in trouble and he was knocked down. He beat the count, appeared hurt and moments later a few straight lefts sent him down for a second time. The fight was waved off by the referee. The fans even booed when the fight was stopped and the decision was announced.

Tarver said former super middleweight champ Jeff Lacy will likely be his next opponent - if Lacy beats Peter Manfredo Jr. on the undercard to Mayweather-Hatton on Dec. 8 in Las Vegas.