Tavoris Cloud facts for kids

Tavoris Karod Cloud (born January 10, 1982) is an American professional boxer. He was a world champion, holding the IBF light heavyweight title from 2009 to 2013.

Early Life and Boxing Start

Tavoris Cloud had a challenging childhood. He grew up in a difficult neighborhood. His home was small, sometimes with many people living there. His family faced tough times.

When Tavoris was about 14 or 15, he decided he wanted to make things better. He met Alonzo Johnson, a boxing coach. Coach Johnson trained Tavoris and even let him stay at his home during high school. Tavoris trained with Coach Johnson from his early amateur days. Later, Johnson was also in Tavoris's corner during his professional fights.

Amateur Boxing Career

Before becoming a professional, Tavoris Cloud competed as an amateur boxer. In 2002, he took part in the U.S. national amateur championships. He reached the final round in the light heavyweight division. There, he competed against Curtis Stevens.

Professional Boxing Journey

Tavoris Cloud began his professional boxing career. He quickly showed his strength and skill in the ring.

On August 8, 2008, Tavoris fought against Julio César González. This was an important fight to decide who would get a chance at the IBF Light Heavyweight title. Cloud won the fight in the tenth round by technical knockout. He showed his power early on, hitting González with strong punches. The referee stopped the fight in the tenth round because González was taking too many hits.

Becoming a World Champion

Tavoris Cloud became the IBF Light Heavyweight champion on August 28, 2009. He won the title against Clinton Woods. The previous champion, Chad Dawson, had given up the belt, making it available. Cloud threw many punches during the 12-round fight. He won by a unanimous decision, meaning all the judges agreed he was the winner.

Cloud successfully defended his title several times:

• On August 7, 2010, he defeated Glen Johnson by unanimous decision.
• He then faced Fulgencio Zuniga, a strong puncher from Colombia. Cloud won this fight by unanimous decision as well.
• After that, Cloud improved his record by winning against Yusaf Mack.

Cloud's fight against Gabriel Campillo from Spain was a close one. Cloud won by a split decision. This means some judges thought Campillo won, but more judges thought Cloud won.

Facing Tough Challenges

Tavoris Cloud later faced some very strong opponents.

• On March 9, 2013, Cloud fought against the experienced Bernard Hopkins. Cloud lost his IBF Championship title in this fight by unanimous decision.
• In September 2013, Cloud challenged Adonis Stevenson for the WBC light-heavyweight title. Cloud stopped fighting in his corner during the seventh round.
• On September 27, 2014, Cloud fought Artur Beterbiev. Cloud was knocked down three times in the first round. He was knocked down again in the second round and could not continue. This was his third loss in a row.

A Comeback to the Ring

After almost six years away from boxing, Tavoris Cloud made a comeback. On November 20, 2020, he successfully returned to the ring. He defeated Ryan Soft by TKO in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Professional Boxing Record