Woods falls short against Cloud
Clinton Woods struggled against Tavoris Cloud en route to a wide points defeat for the vacant IBF light-heavyweight crown.
Clinton put up a brave fight against the rampaging Cloud but his vast experience wasn't enough against the marauding, non-stop undefeated fighter.
Cloud had not been the 12 round distance before and Woods was hoping that Tavoris would tire as the fight went on. It wasn't to be and the judges all scored 116-112 for Cloud and that seemed kind to Clinton.
Woods had a strong 2nd round and fleeting moments of success but Cloud was relentless and landed some big shots, particularly in the 8th and 10th rounds. As ever, Woods showed an iron chin and at times he needed this along with his craftiness and experience to stay in the contest.
Woods just can't seem to win in the US but this was a very couragous and defiant performance and Clinton can hold his head up high. I'm afraid this will have been Clinton's last world title fight and he may well now consider his future in the sport if he is not content at domestic or European level.
This videoclip shows the last round of the fight.
In the joint main event on this Florida show, Juan Urango retained his IBF light-welterweight crown by stopping Randall Bailey in the 11th round.
Iron-chinned Urango was put down heavily in the 6th round and barely beat the count. However, Bailey was unable to finish him and from then Urango wore Bailey down with constant pressure.
He had Bailey down in the 10th and 11th and Bailey was demoralised as his corner wisely decided to throw in the towel, their fighter having no chance now.