Kayode vs Tarver - Who won

[p4pking]

I didn't score it either but thought a draw was fair, it was basically split completely in half. Kayode may have deserved to win say 7 rounds(8 is reaching imo), but Taver landed most of the really telling punches and literally did nothing for the first 5 so it's hard to argue with the result.

[captainanddew]

If Buddy McGirt had screamed at Tarver you aren't doing nothing after round 2 or round 3 instead of round 5 then Tarver may have won the fight clearly.

Looked like a 43 yr old against a raw fighter. Still dont' get why Kayode backed off for much of the fight.

[p4pking]

He was breathing hard in between rounds from quite early on, it must've just been stamina, and that he was worried about having not gone 12 before. As far as tactically it was stupid you're right, all of Tarvers best shots seemed to come while Kayode was going backwards.

[fightscorecollector]

im hoping to catch up with this fight today , not covering it for the blog but will score it and stick it on here.

here are some press scores for the fight...

scott christ - badlefthook - 114-114
kevin iole - yahoo - 116-112 kayode
boxing socialist - 115-113 kayode
dougie fischer -ringmag - 115-113 kayode
worldboxingnews.net - 115-113 tarver

[Snakey]

Didnt see it but I find it funny that somebody who looks to be quite raw and green in the sport of boxing last longer and did better against a shot tarver than a supposed multi time world champ....Danny Green lol.

[Hulk]

I had it 115-113 Tarver. It was not nearly as easy as I thought it would be for Tarver, but he landed the far cleaner and more telling shots of the fight and backed the younger, supposedly stronger fighter up for most of the bout as well.

Kayode spent too much time taunting and clowning as well as whacking away at Tarver's body with sloppy punches that didn't seem to do much damage.

Kayode outworked Tarver early and in a couple of the later rounds, but I just can't see how his ineffective flailing compensated for Tarver stunning him at least twice and dictating the pace.

[Gandalf]

I didn't score it either but thought a draw was fair, it was basically split completely in half. Kayode may have deserved to win say 7 rounds(8 is reaching imo), but Taver landed most of the really telling punches and literally did nothing for the first 5 so it's hard to argue with the result.

I agree. It was a fight of two halves. I thought the mental one edged it, but you can't grumble with a draw.

[J_C]

115-113 Tarver. At last quality scoring from ALL 3 judges with fair scores, hallelujah!

Tarver gave away some rounds early, it cost him the win in the judges eyes. Duno what the strategy was there, you cant feel out forever, I had Kayode 4-1 up at after 5 rounds (I gave Tarver round 3 only). Tarver then rallied and won 6,7,8 and 9 to go 1 up on my card. Kayode ended the streak by winning the 10th for 5-5. The last 2 were close rounds but I edged them for Tarver based on ring generalship, punches landed was pretty even in them.

From what I saw it looked like Tarver thought he was winning some rounds that he wasnt, seemed kinda pissed with his corner telling him it was close etc. If he had listened more to them he would have won.

[TitoFan]

The fight itself was a draw. I saw it coming and called it several rounds before the end. It was almost inevitable, with Tarver stupidly giving away the first few rounds, and then doing just enough to avoid the outright loss. Meanwhile, Kayode, instead of going out to actively seek and take Tarver's title away from him, chose that unfortunate moment to try to box and be cute. They both deserved to lose.

As for the post-fight ranting and raving.... I gave Kayode a split decision. He was louder and more moronic than Tarver, who was pretty obnoxious and blind himself. Typical modern-day match.... inconsistent action in the ring, followed by endless and tiresome belly-aching about the could'ves and the should'ves. F*cking pathetic.

[gest12645]

after Lateef's post fight interview, it's going to be tough seeing him on showtime again

[captainanddew]

after Lateef's post fight interview, it's going to be tough seeing him on showtime again

showtime head espinoza said last night that not only would showtime not want a rematch (if tarver vs kayode II happened for some odd reason), they wouldn't be showing Kayode again.

great job burning bridges!!!!

[IamInuit]

Both men thought it was a 6 round fight and fought accordingly at opposite ends of 12 rounds. Kayode won the first half and Tarver the second. Why Tarver was not cashing in on the left hand earlier is puzzling. He could not miss. Especially the straight left although the hook and uppercut also found a home.