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A light heavyweight world championship showdown between two young fighters in their prime has been confirmed for Saturday, August 11 at Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada, when undefeated IBF world champion Tavoris Cloud (24-0-0, 19ko) defends his title against popular hometown favorite and former WBC light heavyweight titleholder Jean Pascal (26-2-1, 16ko) on SHOWTIME.
Cloud escaped with a disputed decision win over Campillo in his last test. Credit: Esther Lin/Showtime
Cloud is known as a no-nonsense power puncher, who comes right at his opponents with few frills. Pascal may not equal Cloud in work rate, but his footwork and explosive combinations make for a compelling match-up between ferocious punchers. Both men will be coming in to not only win, but to make a statement as the best puncher in one of boxing’s glamour divisions.
The 5-foot-10, Cloud will be making the fifth defense of the then-vacant 175-pound title he won via 12-round unanimous decision over Clinton Woods on Aug. 28, 2009. The hard-hitter successfully defended against Glen Johnson (unanimous decision, June 7, 2010), Fulgencio Zuniga (unanimous decision, Dec. 17, 2010) and Yusaf Mack (TKO 8, June 28, 2011) before winning a controversial split decision over Gabriel Campillo in February.
“First, I want to thank Tavoris Cloud for giving me the opportunity to fight for his IBF light heavyweight belt and to prove who I really am in the ring,” said Pascal. “He has shown true class seeking out the best challenger in the division and for this he has my full respect. Our styles make for the best, most explosive and spectacular fight possible in boxing. Having been away from the ring for more than a year, I am hungrier and more determined than ever to get back on top. Don’t miss it August 11 in Montreal. I am going to get back on the throne for good.”
Throughout a career that began in August 2004, Cloud has been a road warrior. He’s fought only three times in his native Florida. Pascal, conversely, has had all but two of his fights in Canada.
Jean Pascal is looking to bounce back from a draw and a loss to Bernard Hopkins. Credit: Tom Casino/Showtime
The co-feature will match budding Canadian knockout artist Adonis “Superman” Stevenson, (18-1-0, 15ko) of Montreal, against an opponent to be announced in a super middleweight bout.
Stevenson has notched 15 knockouts in 19 professional fights in his climb up the rankings. The Canadian southpaw super middleweight is currently ranked number two with the IBF, three with the WBC and seven in both the WBO and WBA charts.
“I am so proud to be making my Showtime debut fighting in this major event in Montreal,” said Stevenson. “I am on a mission to destroy anybody that has the courage to get in the ring with me. I am not looking for any favors or compassion. My goal is to show the world that I truly deserve to be on a major network fighting Carl Froch for his IBF belt. Watch me make a major statement August 11.”
Trained by the renowned Emmanuel Steward, Stevenson got a late start in the professional ranks with a 2006 debut at the age of 29. Now a six year pro, Stevenson has maintained his penchant for knockouts as he’s stepped up the class of competition. In his last five starts, against opponents with a combined record of 107-8, he has overwhelmed them all, winning four of five inside three rounds. The lone exception is a ninth-round KO of Aaron Pryor Jr.
In all, 12 of his 15 knockouts have come inside three rounds.
The 5-foot-11, 34-year-old Stevenson won a WBC Silver belt with a second-round TKO over Noe Gonzalez (27-1 going in) in his most recent outing last April 20 at Bell Centre.
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