By Sam Gregory: In the co-main event of the August 7th edition of HBO’s Boxing After Dark from the Scottrade Center, Saint Louis, MO undefeated Tavoris Cloud 20-0 with 18 KO’s defends his IBF light heavyweight title against the veteran light heavyweight challenger “Gentleman” Glen Johnson 50-13-2 with 34 KO’s in a scheduled 12 round bout in the light heavyweight division for the IBF light heavyweight title.

In round 1 both fighters got busy early letting their hands go; Cloud came right after Johnson working his jab while Johnson quickly countered every shot his opponent threw. This was an action packed round with Cloud and Johnson fighting in a phone booth. This was a close round but Cloud appeared to have the advantage.

Round 2 Cloud came right after Johnson landing several power shots, Johnson countered going to the body followed with a head punch that rocked Cloud. Johnson is having a good round landing solid shots but Cloud lands a solid shot that staggers Johnson in the last few seconds of the round. Johnson won this round

In round 3 Cloud again came right after Johnson throwing lightening fast jabs; Johnson showed the defense of a veteran fighter countering off Cloud’s punches. This looked to be Johnson’s round

In round 4 Johnson met Cloud in the center of the ring unleashing solid crisp jabs that keep Cloud on the defense for the first half of the round. When Cloud backed up enough to fight in a comfortable range he was able to counter off Johnson’s jab but Johnson soon closed the distance to take the advantage away from his opponent.

In round 5 both men slowed significantly; Johnson blocked some of the hard jabs thrown by Cloud; Cloud landed a combination that hurt Johnson in the last 30 seconds of the round; Johnson was hanging on as Cloud landed another devastating shot; Johnson made it to the closing bell. Cloud’s round

Round 6 Cloud poured on the punches while Johnson weathered the storm; Cloud appeared to slow down enough for Johnson to take control midway through the round. In the last 20 seconds both men traded shots in the center of the ring until the closing bell rang.

After 6 rounds the unofficial scorecard had the fight 3 rounds a piece

Round 7 both men traded jabs at a significantly slower rate of speed. Cloud landed a shot that caught Johnson off balance; Johnson was able to counter and land a solid combination

In round 8 Cloud started with throwing his jab trying to push Johnson Forward; Cloud landed a solid shot that slowed Jonson but Johnson countered and landed a solid uppercut. When Johnson appears to be in trouble his experience has been able to keep him on his feet. Cloud had the better round.

Round 9 both men had their defense up, Cloud began with his jab, and Johnson countered with less snap on his punches. Midway through the round Johnson pushed forward; Cloud threw combinations to the body. Johnson blocked most of the punches and had the better round

Round 10 Johnson came out throwing his jab with more intentional accuracy; Johnson has the slight advantage and was careful how he preceded in the fight. Cloud threw his jab with significantly less power but still landed his shots with accuracy. Cloud had the better round

Round 11 both men traded jabs in the center of the ring; when Cloud landed a punch Johnson clinched; the ref separated the 2 now Cloud landed a punches and when Johnson tried to clinch Cloud punched out keeping control of the round.

Before the start of round 12 Johnson’s corner told him he needed a KO to win

Round 12 Cloud picked up the pace and came right after Johnson; Johnson landed a straight right hand followed by a solid left hook; Johnson backed up Cloud with a solid combination. In the final half minute Johnson threw his power shot that was blocked by Cloud. Both men traded shots until the closing bell.

After the twelfth and final round the fight went to the judge’s scorecards: 116-112 on all three cards for the winner by a unanimous decision Tavoris Cloud. Cloud improved his undefeated record to 21-0 with 18 KO’s while Glen Johnson fell to 50-14-2 with 34 KO’s.