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Cloutier’s Canada Corner
Adonis Stevenson: "I Cannot See
How Cloud Lasts Two Rounds…"
By Daniel Cloutier
MONTRÉAL - Adonis Stevenson is on fire. If he was extremely
hungry to win the WBC light heavyweight championship of the
world in June, he seems to be hungrier than ever now. The
southpaw from Montréal, who caused a real commotion in
stopping the veteran Chad Dawson in the first round (TKO)
June 8th at Bell Centre in Montréal, will proceed to the
first defense of his world title September 28th, again at
Bell Centre.
He will face the former IBF champion of the world, Tavoris
Cloud, from Tallahassee, Florida. “A few months before his
death (nine months ago), Emmanuel Steward, a phenomenal
trainer, told me his dream was to see me become world
champion, “said Stevenson (21-1-0) in a press conference
held at the restaurant 9-4-10 of the Bell Centre Wednesday.”
I did it June 8th, but sadly, Emmanuel was not with us to
see it that night. And I can tell you that this prestigious
WBC world title I won June 8th, is just a first important
goal reached in my career. I was really hungry to beat
Dawson, very motivated to take his WBC crown, but I am even
hungrier to prove I am a real champion. We will see, I will
be on fire in the ring September 28th. Cloud is an
aggressive and courageous fighter, but I cannot see how he
could last two rounds in front of me. With my style and his
style, it is simply impossible that the crowd see a long
fight September 28th. I am so happy to fight this guy for
the first defense of my title.”
Yvon Michel, the boss of the GYM Group, the Stevenson's
promoter said: “The great victory Adonis got June 8th, is a
step in his career. He wants so much to make bigger
achievements. He wants to be a huge star on the
international pro boxing scene. And I know he can do it.
Adonis is extremely determined, and he is so strong mentally
and physically. His fists can destroy everybody who stays in
front of him. Emmanuel Steward knew what he was saying when
he told me two years ago: “Yvon, my next world champion will
be Adonis Stevenson, and you will see, this guy will become
one of the most popular fighter on the planet…”Obviously,
Adonis is happy to be world champion, but he wants so much
more. You will see how much he is ambitious in the next
years.”
This fight Stevenson-Cloud will be televise by HBO. Cloud
(24-1-0) looked pretty calm at this press conference.
“Stevenson is strong physically, no doubt about it, but he
is not realistic if he believes he can kick my butt like he
did with Dawson June 8th,” said Cloud, who lost his IBF
world title to Bernard Hopkins (53-6-2) March 9th in
Brooklyn. “Dawson has no chin. Mine is very solid. And I
will not stay immobile in front of Stevenson like Dawson did
in the first seconds of the June 8th fight. It was not wise
to do what Dawson did. Trust me, Stevenson will have to work
extremely hard to hit me and control my attacks September
28th. I am moving constantly in the ring. We will see how
Stevenson will react when he will realize that with me, it’s
another ball game (in comparison with Dawson). I can
guaranty you that the crowd will see a memorable fight.”
Al Bonani, the Cloud's trainer, said: “I know Stevenson, he
is strong physically and over confident, but I am not worry
for Tavoris. When he is in perfect shape like he will be
September 28th, Tavoris is an incredible warrior. Watch him
when the bell will ring.”
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