Connect with us

Articles of 2009

Fab Finale: Cloud And Urango Have Hands Raised On Friday Night Fights

Published

on

Make no mistake, it was with great anticipation that I readied myself for the 2009 Friday Night Fights finale. But as the action unfolded at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywoods, Florida, and two title fights were contested, I was left a bit bummed. Because I believe that Friday Night Fights should be, and easily could be, putting on cards such as this one week-in, week out, if certain powers that be gave boxing its due.

Both scraps were entertaining, and all four men involved gave solid accounts of themselves. In the main event, Colombian Juan Urango kept hold of his IBF 140 pound crown, as he scored two knockdowns in the ninth, and another in the tenth, before Randall Bailey’s corner threw in the towel at 1:51 of the 11th round. In the support faceoff, viewers saw Tavoris Cloud exert his strength and freshness enroute to a decision win over rugged Brit veteran Clinton Woods. Hopefully, ESPN will throw some more money in the pot to get better fights, and promoters get a bit more inventive in staging shows that take in money from other sources besides the cabler.

Urango (139 pounds; age 28; from Colombia, living in Florida) was 21-2-1, with 16 KOs coming in, while challenger Bailey (139 ½ pounds; from Florida; age 34; two-time 140 pound titlist) was 39-6, with 35 KOs entering. Bailey won his first belt in 1999, but was 11-1 up to this scrap, so it’s not like he was a shopworn vet brought in to lay down. Urango, trained by Evangelista Cotto, had taken possession of the title with his win over Herman Ngoudjo in January.

In the first round, the lefty Urango came forward, head low. Bailey clanged a right off his noggin, just to let him know what he’d be facing in the ensuing rounds. It was a quiet first round. In round two, Bailey was again controlled, studying his foe, breaking down his tendencies, figuring out where and when to drop the right-hand hammer. Urango warmed up, and sat down more on his shots. In the third, Bailey, trained by John David Jackson,  popped a rhythmic jab, not meant to inflict damage, but rather to just set up his right hand behind it. He fired and then looked to get out of range. Urango bore in, and winged mostly wide shots. He likes to bring the left underneath, and he did so on Bailey, targeting his stomach. In the fourth, both men were loose. Urango, the busier boxer,  fired angry shots, many wide and errant. In the fifth round, Bailey used the ring to his advantage. He had Urango chasing him. In the sixth, Bailey dropped Urango, with a right counter, a minute in. He got up, at nine, and there was a cut under the Colombian’s left eye. Bailey too went down, as his glove hit the canvas to help him keep his balance after Urango bopped him, but the ref missed it. It looked Urango’s legs and desire were still present, though, and he marched on. In the seventh, Urango looked to even the score with a southpaw launch. In the eighth, he slammed Bailey with a right, and kept in his face, kept on trudging forward. It looked like Bailey might be losing his legs a tiny bit. In the ninth, Bailey went down at 2:20, off of a left counter, right down the pike. He got up at nine plus. He then held on, but again, was sent to the canvas, from a clubbing left. Again, he grabbed on for dear life. More than a minute remained, could he finish the round? After multiple clinches, he did. He went to his corner, his left eye cut and swollen. To the 10th. Bailey kept his wits, and kept distance between him and the muscleman. But his energy dipped, and a left and another left and a right to the body landed, and Bailey went to a knee with 45 seconds to go, for Urango’s third knockdown. His legs were betraying him. In the 11th, Bailey fell to the floor after a clinch, no knockdown. But his corner saw his status, and threw in the towel. Bless them. They saw Bailey with minimal juice left, possibly in a place to get hurt, and pulled the plug.

In the TV opener, cousin Clinton Woods (42-4-1 entering, with 25 KOs; fighting for the third time in the US; from England; age 37; 173 ½ pounds; No. 2 in IBF ), a former light heavy champion, met Tavoris Cloud (19-0 entering, with 18 KOs; from Florida; No. 1 in IBF; 174 pounds; age 27). The vacated IBF light heavyweight title was up for grabs. Would the vet Woods, used to competing on big stages, show the world that Cloud’s record was puffed up and padded? Or would Cloud put a final nail in the career coffin for Woods, who’d contemplated retirement after a conclusive loss to Antonio Tarver last year. After twelve busy rounds, anyone watching had to think that not even Gale Van Hoy could screw this up, and this was so: the judges did the right thing, and awarded Cloud a decision victory, by scores of 116-112. TSS gave cousin Woods just two rounds and had one even, but hey, they at least got the right guy, even if the margins were a bit tighter than one might’ve thought.

Cloud came out banging, but the vet Woods stayed cool; he’d faced down flurries like that before. Cloud came off like the quicker, hungrier man in the first. In the second, Woods looked to be first more. It worked, Cloud looked like a rook, being picked apart by a seasoned hitter. Cloud didn’t fold, though. He kept at the jab, and at the end of the round, scored with an uppercut. Cloud took the lead in the third, to start. He used his legs more, a good idea against the 37-year-old, I’d say. Woods connected with an uppercut at the 1:20 mark, but Cloud was imposing his will and strength on the elder. In the fourth, we wondered if the less seasoned man could keep up the pace? Had he shot his wad somewhat? Woods wanted to land a lead left hook to this point, and Cloud had been slipping it, but as he slowed down, that hook hit. But Cloud didn’t drop off too much, he still slung the jab and power rights. He mixed in left hooks above the hip bone, as well. Woods used wily vet tricks, shoving off with his forearm, and winging little rabbit punches intermittently in round five. In the sixth, Woods was in retreat mode too much, and that was because Cloud was bringing it to him. Flush rights landed, but Woods didn’t seem all that phased by them. Would that resilience be present later? In round seven, Cloud looked the fresher man early on. He trapped Woods on the ropes, and went to work, but with a veteran’s smarts, didn’t get over-excited or sloppy, and get tagged by a counter. In the eighth, we saw Cloud continue to try and chop down Woods, and it looked like he was getting closer to maybe dropping the Brit. Cloud pinned him in the corner, and whaled away for 30 seconds, with Woods answering just often enough to keep the ref at bay. Woods would have been well served to tie Cloud up some, but that’s not his way. In round nine, a nasty right hit Clint on the chin. He didn’t drop, though. And darn it, as Cloud grabbed a few extra breaths, Woods tosses still flew. He wasn’t going to make it easy for the Floridian. In the 10th, Cloud scored with left hooks, and again mashed Woods on the ropes to absorb punishment. In the 11th,  with his left eye puffed, Woods couldn’t quite muster the urgency to strain for the kayo. Cloud played it smart, but still threw with vicious intent to clearly win the round. In round 12, Cloud needed only to stay conscious to win the belt. He did so, and prepared to soak up the joy as the strapped on his new belt. All in all, a fine scrap, and both men deserve ample praise for their efforts. The stats smiled on Cloud: he went 371-1113, to Woods’ 265-677.

You might recall that Chad Dawson had this IBF belt, and gave it up because there was no money in fighting Cloud; maybe now Dawson might give him a crack next year. I see Dawson being too skilled form the outside for Cloud, but I don’t think the Floridian would be in over his head.

SPEEDBAG Where was Tess? Joe Tessitore missed the finale, and someone named Bob Wischusen filled in for Tess. Nothing against Wisch, but we missed Tess! He was getting ready to call the Travers Stakes in Saratoga Springs on Saturday.

–Brian Kenny was also missing from the finale. Kevin Connors, his fill-in, said he was “on assignment.”

—Urango mentioned Tim Bradley as someone in his sites.

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles1 week ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles1 week ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles1 week ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Paro
Featured Articles6 days ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles5 days ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles2 days ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles3 days ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Avila-Perspective-Chap-332-Jake-Paul-vs-Chavez-Jr-plus-Mbilli-Deontay-and-More
Featured Articles4 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 332: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr., plus Mbilli, Deontay and More

Mexico's-Francisco-Rodriguez-Jr-is-the-TSS-Fighter-of-the-Month-for-June
Featured Articles13 hours ago

Mexico’s Francisco Rodriguez Jr is the TSS Fighter of the Month for June

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles2 days ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Holly-Holm-Joshua-Edwards-and-Rene-Alvarado-Sparkle-on-the-Paul-Chavez-Undercard
Featured Articles2 days ago

Holly Holm, Joshua Edwards, and Rene Alvarado Sparkle on the Paul-Chavez Undercard

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles3 days ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Avila-Perspective-Chap-332-Jake-Paul-vs-Chavez-Jr-plus-Mbilli-Deontay-and-More
Featured Articles4 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 332: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr., plus Mbilli, Deontay and More

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles5 days ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Paro
Featured Articles6 days ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles1 week ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles1 week ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles1 week ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending