By Joe Harrison
On Friday night, May 11th, at Cicero Stadium located near Chicago, Tavoris Cloud (15-0, 14 KOs) knocked out Jim Strohl (27-5, 21 KOs) in the first round of their scheduled ten-round contest. It was the ninth consecutive knockout victory for Cloud, and his fifth victory to end in the first round.
At the beginning of the round, Strohl tried to dictate the pace of the bout by utilizing his jab and creating combinations. Instead, it was Cloud who suddenly threw combinations and gained the upper hand.
Throughout the round, the boxers continued to exchange punches until another flurry of combinations from Cloud sent Strohl to the canvas. Once Strohl beat the count and the action resumed, a right hand from Cloud connected with Strohl’s head and sent him crashing down for the second time. Referee Tim Adams counted out Strohl at the official time of 2:59.
After the fight, Tavoris took the time to answer some questions.
BoxingScene.com – How do you feel about your performance tonight? Were you looking to end it in the first round?
Tavoris Cloud – No, I wasn’t looking to end it in the first round, not at all. I was just going in there to fight my fight. That’s to apply pressure and get the win any way I can get it.
BoxingScene.com – Why were do you think you were able to defeat him so quickly?
Tavoris Cloud – I believe it was my right hand. I just threw some right hands at him and some uppercuts. He couldn’t take it.
BoxingScene.com – Do you feel that you made a statement tonight by beating someone with the alias “Steel Chin” and is a highly respected veteran?
Tavoris Cloud – I’d just call him a boxer-puncher. After fighting a veteran like this, a tall dude who’s had more fights, you guys tell me, how much it means. Just bring whoever’s next, let’s go on and fight.
BoxingScene.com – Is there anyone in particular that you would like to face next?
Tavoris Cloud – The champs, I want all the champs. I’m coming for them. I just want to fight all the champions. All the good fighters, I want to fight them.
BoxingScene.com – Do you know when you’ll be fighting again?
Tavoris Cloud – Well, maybe in July or August. We’re really not sure yet.
BoxingScene.com – Is there anything extra you would like to share?
Tavoris Cloud – Just keep watching me because I’m coming. I’m coming so the world can watch. You’re going to know Tavoris Cloud when it’s all over with.
Other results from the fight card:
Heavyweight Carl Davis (10-2, 8 KOs) defeated Zack Page (13-13-1, 5 KOs) by a ten-round unanimous decision.
Lightweight Leo Martinez (10-9, 5 KOs) defeated David Mound (4-12, 2 KOs) by a six-round unanimous decision.
Welterweight Guadalupe Diaz (2-1, 0 KOs) defeated Jeff Curan (1-2-1, 1 KO) by a four-round majority decision.
