Antonio Tarver scored a big stoppage win this evening in Australia, taking out IBO cruiserweight champion Danny Green after 9 rounds. Green was saved by the bell at the end of the 9th session, and in between rounds, Green’s corner pulled the plug and saved their charge from further punishment.
Tarver had been in control from the start, and was winning on all scorecards at the time of the stoppage. For him, it’s a big comeback win and it gives his career a new sense of legitimacy and revitalization. If he chooses to be active, there a number of intriguing fights that Tarver could make at 200 lbs, and with his status, he could have his choice of opponents.
Green had been on a tear as of late, and hadn’t lost dating back to 2006. He scored a shocking 1st round KO over Roy Jones, defeated BJ Flores and had also been involved in a controversial affair, when challenger Paul Briggs most certainly took a dive in the first round of their contest.
However, he had to take time off from the ring as he was battling a surprise health condition that not only nearly ended his professional career, but nearly took his life as well. While he was cleared to fight, it’s possible that the prolonged effects of that illness have left Green drained as a result. He now falls to 31-4, with 27 KOs, while Tarver improves to 29-6 with 20 KOs.
