TARVER: KAYODE'S DREAM ABOUT TO COME CRASHING DOWN
By John McCormick

Former world light heavyweight champion and current cruiserweight Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver (29-6 with 20 KOs) will step into the ring on June 2nd to take on hard-hitting Lateef Kayode (18-0 with 14 KOs). The fight will headline a card on Showtime.


Although Tarver is 43 years old, he showed shades of his old days in his IBO cruiserweight championship fight against Danny Green last July. Tarver was leading on all three judges' scorecards before the fight was stopped in the ninth round.


As far as Kayode is concerned, Tarver isn't convinced that his opponent's aspirations of sending him into retirement will happen on June 2nd. "I'm telling Lateef that his dream is going to come crumbling down," said Tarver during a press conference to announce the card last week. "I'm standing here today to tell Lateef Kayode and everybody he's got coming to support him on June 2nd that his dreams are going to come tumbling down.  It's a big difference when you are in that ring by yourself and facing the heat and fire I'm going to bring, and all Freddie Roach (Kayode's trainer) can do is give you water.  It's a whole new ballgame. Welcome to the big time, brother."


Kayode has stopped 14 of the 18 fighters that he has faced in his career, but no one on Tarver's level. Kayode's game plan does not involve wining a decision. Kayode is coming for the knockout win. "He (Tarver) doesn't have crap.  Tarver is done.  I never disrespected anyone in my life, but on June 2nd, this guy is done," said Kayode. "I will knock Tarver out.  I will beat the crap out of him."


when asked about Kayode's punching power, Tarver responded "I've never been worried about power because power is nothing if you can't land that punch. There are two types of fighters, some you can make quit and some you have to knock out and I don't think there is any quit in Lateef Kayode, which means I'm going to have to knock him out to come away with the victory."


Showtime's June 2nd telecast will also feature "Kid Chocolate" Peter Quillin (26-0 with 20 KO's) taking on Ronald "Winky" Wright (51-5-1 with 25 KOs) and Austin "No Doubt" Trout (24-0 with 14 KOs) facing Delvin Rodriguez (26-5-3 with 14 KOs).

Send questions and comments to: jmccormick43@aol.com