Tarver stops Green for fifth world title

American Antonio Tarver became a five-time world champion after stopping Australian Danny Green after nine rounds of their IBO Cruiserweight title fight in Sydney on Wednesday. Tarver, 42, won the International International Boxing Organisation title with a flurry of blows that had Green dazed on the ropes until the bell came to his rescue at the end of the ninth round. Green's corner stopped the fight with Tarver clearly the superior fighter with his southpaw left jab doing most of the damage. Four-time light heavyweight world champion Tarver's record now stands at 29 wins (20KOs) and six defeats in 35 professional fights. "Danny fought a great fight, he hurt me twice, but I didn't let him know it and I want to thank Danny for giving me the opportunity," Tarver said. "Danny has to get healthy and get back in shape and who knows if he calls me I'm coming back (for a rematch)." It was Green's fifth title defence with a first round TKO of American great Roy Jones Jnr among his victories, but he was unable to prevent Tarver from dominating the fight. "It was very tough for me, I fought a great fighter and I couldn't do anything right tonight," Green said. "I don't take anything away from Antonio, he fought a smart fight, he proved tonight that 42 is nothing but a number." Three-division champion Green, 38, now has a pro record of 31 wins (27KOs) and four defeats. Tarver stunned Green with a jolting left jab late in the opening round and put the Australian on the canvas with a left uppercut in the middle of the second round. Green's best round was in the seventh when he hurt Tarver with a vicious right hand, but his opponent again took control and finished the Australian off two rounds later.