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Lateef Kayode talks Tarver, Green, Jones Jr. and heavyweight move

Phil D. Jay 
WBN Editor
Cruiserweight eyeing world title shot

California-based Nigerian Lateef Kayode is looking to build on his impressive showing against IBO cruiserweight champion Antonio Tarver in June and gain the world title shot he believes he deserves.

The ‘Power’ fought out a credible draw with the ‘Magic Man’ at the Home Depot Center in a fight that some thought he did enough to win, although Kayode does remain undefeated in his 19 contests.

At 29, Kayode has plenty of time to fulfil his ambition of becoming the world cruiserweight champion and told WBN that he will then be heading to the top division in the hope of winning the biggest prize in sport.

“I'm ready to fight at any time. Anybody that is coming now I'm ready for,” Kayode told World Boxing News.

“I have called out (former world champion) Danny Green but he hasn't said anything or responded so we are talking about Roy Jones and I'm ready for anyone.

“I know I deserve a shot at a title because I proved it to the world when I fought Tarver. I know where I am right now. I'm training so hard.  I have just finished running and will go train at the gym later for four hours. I'm ready. I deserve that shot.”

43 year-old Tarver has since reportedly failed a drugs test in the wake of their fight as talk of a rematch intensified and Kayode believes he has been unfairly criticized for giving his strong opinion on the matter.

“People that judge me, or what I said about him, a lot of people went to YouTube talking about me,” explained Kayode.

“They shouldn't judge me. That's the reason why I said what I said. I proved in the ring that I am the better fighter and then this comes out.”

On the heavyweight move, Kayode added: “Definitely. I want to be the cruiserweight champion, but then I will move up to heavyweight.”

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